Fed Cup: Pakistan leave for China with high hopes

Women’s tennis team ready for challenge, says non-playing captain.

KARACHI: The Pakistan squad left for China last night to compete in the Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Group II tie with a promise of giving its best in the event starting in Shenzhen next week.   

The side, led by non-playing captain Khalid Siddiq and featuring Ushna Sohail, Saba Aziz and Sarah Mansoor, left from Islamabad to compete in the event that will be held from January 30 to February 4.

Pakistan, who took part in the Fed Cup in 2011 after a lapse of 10 years, failed to impress in their campaign, managing only one win that came against lowly-ranked Kyrgyzstan.

Captain eyes better results

However, the team seemed confident of doing well in this year’s event. “We’re targeting promotion in our group,” former Pakistan number one Khalid told The Express Tribune. “All the girls are in top form and that gives me the confidence that we will have better results than the previous year.

“They have showed good commitment while training and put in a lot of effort to prepare for the competition.”

The Asia/Oceania Group II consists of 10 teams including Hong Kong, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Turkmenistan besides Pakistan.

The group will be divided into two on January 29, which,  Khalid said, will make a difference when draws are announced. “It will make a difference but we’re not banking on the draws and focusing on giving our best.”

Meanwhile, the competing players were equally optimistic ahead of the challenge. “We’re well prepared,” said Aziz, currently number one in the national rankings.  “We worked hard at the camp and are desperate to earn better results.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2012.