Aisam doubtful for Asian Games

Pakistan tennis ace eyes participation in World Tour Finals instead.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s star tennis player Aisamul Haq Qureshi has become a doubtful starter for this month’s Asian Games as it clashes with the ATP World Tour Finals doubles event where he has a good chance of qualification alongside Indian partner Rohan Bopanna. Aisam has conveyed his possible withdrawal to the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) from the event in China, where he was paired with Aqeel Khan to represent Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Aisam is bidding for a place at the ATP season ending tournament where top eight individuals and doubles players will be vying for top honours. The tournament is scheduled to be held in London from November 21 to 28, which clashes with the Asian Games. “Aisam is doubtful but things are yet to be confirmed,” Aisam’s father, Ihtshamul Haq Qureshi told The Express Tribune. “The duo are on track for the London tournament but their qualification depends on the Paribas Masters Tournament to be held in Paris today.”

Ihtshamul said that Aisam had already informed the POA chief Arif Hasan about the situation, who has kept a place for Aisam for the Asian Games. “He had no objection because participation in the World Tour Finals is also an honour for Pakistan.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has sought POA’s advice on Aisam’s replacement. “We’re aware that accreditation for a new player at the eleventh hour is very difficult, this is why we sought their advice,” said the PTF secretary Rashid Khan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2010.