KARACHI:
Pakistan's Davis Cup coach Jaleel Riaz said that the country's top player Aqeel Khan will be the key for the team's success in their upcoming campaign.
Pakistan take on South Korea in their Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group II tie on July 8 where a win would ensure their promotion to Group I.
Riaz is currently coaching six players including Aqeel, Jalil Khan, Yasir Khan, Samir Iftikhar, Faizan Khurram and Mohammad Abid in the two-week camp in Islamabad that began on June 17.
"My focus in the camp is on Aqeel because he is our key player," Riaz told The Express Tribune. "I am emphasising on his fitness and match practice. Our target is to win three matches out of five. South Korea are a very tough team to face on their home-turf and Aqeel's singles match is crucial.
"However, I am a bit satisfied with the prospects of our doubles match since Aqeel and Aisamul Haq Qureshi are a good combination."
Regarding the practice techniques being employed at the camp, according to Aqeel, it was the first time that any coach was using match-situation techniques.
He revealed that the coach was using customised simulation exercises where they created pressure situations and players had to play through them.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2011.
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