Victorious Aisam to miss Davis Cup camp

Shortlisted players to be trained by US-based coach from today .

KARACHI:

The training camp for next month’s Davis Cup tie against Korea gets underway today in Islamabad under the supervision of US-based coach Jalil Riaz.

Aisamul Haq Qureshi, who won the doubles event at Halle on Sunday, and Aqeel Khan, Pakistan’s top-ranked player, will not be part of the 15-day camp, according to Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Secretary Mumtaz Yusuf.

Pakistan, who defeated Hong Kong earlier this year, face Korea in the Asia Oceania Group II away tie in the second week of July where a win would ensure the team’s promotion to Group I.

‘Good coach needed for important tie’

“It’s an important match for our team,” Yusuf told The Express Tribune. “And this is why we have ensured the services of a quality coach. He’ll supervise the camp before shifting his focus on training the youngsters.”

Yusuf added that while Aisam will miss the entire camp due to international commitments, Aqeel would join training in a few days.

“Aisam will be busy at Wimbledon and may fly directly to Korea from England. Aqeel is busy with a coaching stint in Sri Lanka and will join the camp after missing the initial stages.”

The secretary said that Jalil Khan, Yasir Khan, Heera Aashiq and Umer Sheikh will attend the training camp. Upcoming star Samir Iftikhar, who is studying in England, will not be available for the tie.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14^th, 2011.