Asad walks away with National men`s soft tennis crown

Asad Raza Rizvi, a school student of Maharashtra emerged men’s singles champion, trouncing Mohamedd Nasir (Delhi) 4-1 in the final of the the 7th Senior National Soft Tennis Championship at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar today. The 16-year-old Aurangabad teenager, who earlier helped Maharashtra win the men’s team title, thus clinched a golden double in the highest domestic competition of the country. Earlier in the semifinals, Asad thrashed Rahul Singroli (Madhya Pradesh), while Nasir trounced Vivek Shivaji (Maharashtra) by 3-1 identical margin. The women’s doubles title was lifted by Uttar Pradesh duo of Taruka Srivastav and Samia Rizvi, They defeated Monika and Avilasha of Madhya Pradesh 4-2 in the final. Earlier in the last-four round, Taruka and Samia overcame Delhi pair of Likhita and Ishita 4-2, while Monika and Avilasha prevailed over Anjali and Riha (MP) 3-0. PHOTOS: TOP: Asad Rizvi celebrates after winning the men’s singles title at the Senior National Soft Tennis Championship in Bhubaneswar on Nov 18, 2009. BOTTOM: Taruka Srivastav (Left) and Samia Rizvi shake hands after winning the women’s doubles gold medal at the Senior National Soft Tennis Championship in Bhubaneswar on Nov 18, 2009.