Davis Cup: Hosts Pakistan take 2-0 lead against Thailand

Aisam, Aqeel put side in strong position to win Asia-Oceania Group II final tie

KARACHI: Pakistan took 2-0 lead against Thailand in Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group II final  as Aisamul Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan won their singles matches on day one at the Pakistan Sports Board Complex on Friday.

Pakistan were finally able to enjoy home advantage after 12 years as the Davis Cup returned to Pakistan. Earlier, Aisam and Aqeel, the most seasoned players in the squad, had been forced to play their ties on opponents’ turf or on a neutral venue because of the security concerns forwarded by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) that would not allow foreign players to visit the country.

Capitalising on the advantage, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) chose grass as the surface for the matches, which Aisam thinks was a good strategy as it gave the home team an edge.

"If it was some other surface, like hard court, the result could have been different," Aisam told The Express Tribune. "Thai players were not sure how to operate on grass."

Aisam helped Pakistan go 2-0 up after beating Kittipong Wachiramanowong 6-1, 6-0, 6-4 in an hour and 20 minutes with the help of 23 aces.

"Wachiramanowong played well and it was a good match,” said Aisam. “My strategy was to keep the points short. I wasn't expecting it to be a three-setter, but it was a good match. Aqeel also played well against their top seed in the first match."

Aqeel khan defeated Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul 6-3, 6-4, 6-4  in a three-set marathon.

Before the tie Aqeel emphasised on the important of an early lead against the visitors, and Aisam believes it will provide a cushion to the players on day two.

"The 2-0 lead is a good thing,” said Aisam. “We can prepare a better strategy now. I'll be with the team in the evening and we can decide how to go about the doubles rubber. It definitely gives us a cushion as to whether we can rest or not. We'll see how the recovery process goes.”

Aisam added that it is a great achievement for Pakistan to host the ties again and his stand against New Zealand last year seems to have paid off. Aisam had refused to play the tie in New Zealand in the Group II final as a protest that team Pakistan deserves a chance of a home-advantage.

"It feels unbelievable that we are playing at home again,” he said. “I took a stand against New Zealand and it paid off. We had been asking the ITF to reconsider their decision. I'm happy it has finally happened. We are playing among our people. I just want to thank the PTF and Pakistan Army as well for making it safe for the foreign players to come. They are doing a great job."

Pakistan and Thailand have played each other eight times previously and Pakistan won on four occasions.

Aqeel and Aisam are on the roster to play the doubles rubber on day two.