LAHORE:Pakistan’s top ranked tennis player Samir Iftikhar has justified his selection by Asian Tennis federation for the elite “ high performance evaluation camp” by beating Indonesian and former top 100 junior David Agung in 3 set marathon match with scores 6/7 6/2 10/2 (super tie break) in the round robin matches at Bangkok on Tuesday.Samir has put up sterling performance in the camp which began from December 28 to polish the skills of most outstanding junior tennis players of Asia,said the information made available here.Samir lost the first set in the tie break at 6/7 and made magnificent come back afterwards by displaying skilful to win the second set.he final set went into super tie break where Samir broke the experienced Indonesian serve with powerful returns and won the super tie break at 10/2.
Samir had earlier won 2 matches by beating former top 80 ranked Warit Sornbutnark and Kongpop Lertchai of Thailand and lost to world number 74 Viadic Munsshaw of India’s in a nail biting match 4/6 6/2 8/10 having led 8/6 in the super tie break .The Asian Tennis Federation has invited 9 elite Under 20 players from Asia for over all evaluation by the reputed International Coaches and physical trainers from USA , Argentina ,Spain . Samir has been emerged on top in fitness after the results of the fitness test.Samir’s father and former Davis cupper Tayyab Iftikhar who is in Bangkok with Samir as coach told APP that Samir has improved his game to a higher level amid the presence of worlds qualified coaches whose guidance has encouraged the young tennis player to attain more glory for the country.“ Samir alongwith other participants is undergoing six hours daily training and practice and the experience which the players are gaining will really help them to become good seasoned tennis players.“ He is gear up and is fully committed to demonstrate a better brand of high quality tennis in future international ATP tournaments and the Davis Cup competitions.It is pertinent to mention that 18 Years old Samir recently Double Crown(2 titles) of National Men’s Singles and National Junior Under 18 singles titles in November and he is Pakistan’s Top Ranked Junior on the ITF Junior world Ranking Circuit.Meanwhile the newly elected president Kalim Amam has hailed Samir’s performance on his maiden exposure to an international Camp and hoped that he will do more for the country in coming international events – App
