ITF admits Pakistan’s Davis Cup appeal
World tennis body agrees to review case next month.
“The acknowledgment of our appeal is indicative of the seriousness of our reservations. Furthermore, it has increased our chances of proving our point,” says PTF secretary. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
KARACHI:
Pakistan tennis ace Aisamul Haq’s efforts of presenting Pakistan’s case regarding the recent Davis Cup tie yielded a positive outcome as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) agreed to consider the country’s appeal.
The development came after Aisam gave a detailed one-and-a-half hour presentation to the Davis Cup officials in London.
Pakistan hosted their Asia/Oceania Group II tie in Yangon, Myanmar after New Zealand refused to visit Pakistan due to security concerns.
However, the match could not be completed as Sri Lanka referee Ashita Ajigala declared New Zealand the winner, pronouncing the court’s surface ‘unplayable’. As per the ITF rules, such observations can result in decisions against the host nation. Pakistan were leading 1-0 before the referee’s verdict.
According to details, Aisam explained the officials about Pakistan’s reservations on the referee’s decision and managed to convince the authorities to consider the appeal.
“It’s a breakthrough for us,” Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Secretary Mumtaz Yusuf told The Express Tribune while confirming the development. “We’ve received an email from the ITF telling us that our appeal has been admitted.
“The acknowledgment of our appeal is indicative of the seriousness of our reservations. Furthermore, it has increased our chances of proving our point.”
Yusuf said he hoped the Davis Cup officials would either order a rematch or give Pakistan full points from the tie. He added that the ITF’s Board of Directors will consider the PTF’s petition next month.
Yusuf also praised Aisam’s efforts to fight the case for Pakistan.
“The PTF sent Aisam as we felt he was well-versed about the whole situation.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 16th, 2013.
Pakistan tennis ace Aisamul Haq’s efforts of presenting Pakistan’s case regarding the recent Davis Cup tie yielded a positive outcome as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) agreed to consider the country’s appeal.
The development came after Aisam gave a detailed one-and-a-half hour presentation to the Davis Cup officials in London.
Pakistan hosted their Asia/Oceania Group II tie in Yangon, Myanmar after New Zealand refused to visit Pakistan due to security concerns.
However, the match could not be completed as Sri Lanka referee Ashita Ajigala declared New Zealand the winner, pronouncing the court’s surface ‘unplayable’. As per the ITF rules, such observations can result in decisions against the host nation. Pakistan were leading 1-0 before the referee’s verdict.
According to details, Aisam explained the officials about Pakistan’s reservations on the referee’s decision and managed to convince the authorities to consider the appeal.
“It’s a breakthrough for us,” Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Secretary Mumtaz Yusuf told The Express Tribune while confirming the development. “We’ve received an email from the ITF telling us that our appeal has been admitted.
“The acknowledgment of our appeal is indicative of the seriousness of our reservations. Furthermore, it has increased our chances of proving our point.”
Yusuf said he hoped the Davis Cup officials would either order a rematch or give Pakistan full points from the tie. He added that the ITF’s Board of Directors will consider the PTF’s petition next month.
Yusuf also praised Aisam’s efforts to fight the case for Pakistan.
“The PTF sent Aisam as we felt he was well-versed about the whole situation.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 16th, 2013.