Davis Cup: Aqeel holds nerve to carry Pakistan through

Wins decider against Lebanon in straight sets after Aisam’s loss.

KARACHI: Aqeel Khan rose to the occasion, outshone Aisamul Haq Qureshi and guided Pakistan past a tense Lebanon challenge with a straight-sets win in the deciding reverse singles of the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania zone group II tie.

Needing to win one of the two matches on the final day of the tie, ahead 2-1 courtesy a doubles win on the second day, Pakistan’s hopes were jolted when Aisam lost to the Lebanese number one Bassam Beidas 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.

With Aqeel having lost his opening singles on the first day, it was Lebanon in the driving seat with momentum and home advantage aiding their cause. However, Aqeel shocked the hosts as he registered a 7-6, 6-4, 6-1 win over Karim Alayli to seal Pakistan’s progress.

Playing against Lebanon on their home territory was difficult, according to Aisam, but the Pakistan players were prepared for the battle.

“We rested our hopes in beating Lebanese number two Alayli twice since Beidas was a better player on clay,” Aisam told the Express Tribune. “It was extra challenging because we were playing their preferred surface but I’m glad Aqeel played well under pressure and won the last match.

“I believe that if we had played this tie in Pakistan on grass, we would’ve won 5-0.”

This was Pakistan’s first win over Lebanon in Davis Cup history. Their last clash ended 4-1 in favour of Lebanon. With the win, Pakistan will play their second round match against Philippines in April.

PTF should play its part properly: Aisam

Meanwhile, Aisam added that a discussion will be held with the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF)  in order for them to take Davis Cup ties seriously and convince the International Tennis Federation (ITF) of allowing matches to take place in Pakistan.

“I’m very upset with these away ties. Most of these are supposed to take place in Pakistan but the ITF doesn’t trust the PTF. I’m going to speak to PTF officials about hosting the Philippines tie because having home-advantage plays a huge role in winning.

“I really want to play the Davis Cup in front of our home crowd. They should get to see what we’re doing. These frequent away ties are taking a lot out of the players and also hindering the promotion of tennis in Pakistan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2012.