Pakistan’s future hope and Davis Cupper Samir Iftikhar saved two set points to prove himself an asset for University of New Mexico Lobos at the NCAA (Division 1) Tennis Circuit by winning his crucial decider conference match against Will Stein of Texas Christian University Horned Frogs held at Dallas Fort Worth 7-6 6-3.
The both teams were tied up at three-match all and the crucial win by Samir for UNM enabled them to qualify for important NCAA Division-I Conference Tournament being held at San Diego California from April 27 to 29 where the best regional teams will contest for place in season ending NCAA Play offs.
Samir saved 2 set points at 5/6 in the first set and won the first set in tie break 7/6 without conceding a point (7/0) with display of powerful ground strokes and passing shots.
He never let Settle Stein in the second set and won 6/3 by obtaining early break. The 19-year-old youngster who is on 4-Year Athletic cum Educational Scholarship is flying Pakistan’s Flag high at the USA University in academics and tennis alike where he achieved 3.75 GPR in the last semester and won crucial matches for University and recently won 3 set Marathon 7-5, 6-7, 6-2 match last week against Rickey Baylon of San Diego State University .
Samir said: “The highly competitive NCAA University Tennis has really helped me lift my game and am working very hard at tennis and studies. I am aiming for 4.0 GPR this semester.”
“I hope that PTF, Govt, and corporate sector will sponsor me for ITF Future tournaments this summer which will really help me to gain experience and bring laurels to Pakistan. I also like to thank MEPCO for their continued support in pursuing his career in Tennis and Education,” he maintained.
