The 13th seed Ali Murad from NBP claimed another upset victory in the men’s singles event of the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Badminton Championship 2012 by thrashing second seed Rizwan Azam in the final here at Rodham Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex on Wednesday. The final score-line was 21-11 and 21-03.
Ali, who defeated twice Wajid Ali in the championship, proved too good for the high ranked national lad Rizwan Azam in the title fixture. He produced remarkable performance in the both games, as he finished the first game by conceding just 11 points in the first game. In the second game, Azam was not looking hundred percent fit and was limping during the game that he (Azam) lost at 03-21. Both the finalists were from the same department of National Bank of Pakistan. It was first top national crown from Ali Murad.
Earlier, in the women’s singles final, Palwasha Bashir from National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) quashed Sidra Hameed, who defeated top seed Sara in the semifinal day before yesterday at same venue, 2-0 to lift the title. She (Palwasha) had to toil hard in the first game, as she was downed 3-10 at once stage and squared it at 18-18.
At 19-19, Sidra did an unforced error when his service went into net and gave her rival to win the game at 21-19. In the second game, Palwasha quashed Sidra and did not allow her to settle on the court by playing excellent strokes. The final score-line was 21-19 and 21-4. Top national umpire Amjad Siddiqui supervised the final. Prize money of Rs.200 thousands has been distributed among the top players.
Results: (13-06-12)
Men’s Singles (final):
Ali Murad (NBP) beat Rizwan Azam (NBP) 21-11, 21-03
Women’s Singles (final):
Palwasha Bashir (NBP) beat Sidra Hameed (WAPDA) 2-19, 21-4
