Against the big boys: Pakistan to face China in opening Group I clash

Coach Hamedul Haq hopes they can host tie in Lahore on grass courts

KARACHI: Pakistan will play China in their opening Group I tie in March, with veteran Aqeel Khan saying the team needs to be at their very best right from the first round.

Pakistan will be playing in Group I after nine years, defeating Chinese Taipei 3-2 last month in Turkey to earn promotion.

The draws for Davis Cup Asia-Oceania zone Group I have pitted Pakistan against China and New Zealand against South Korea, while top seed India and second seed Uzbekistan get a bye into the second round.

“It’s definitely going to be a tough tie,” Aqeel told The Express Tribune. “China are a good side. They have very competitive players who are active in the international circuit. I’ve seen them in the Asian Games as well and they are very difficult to beat.”

Aqeel was the hero of the last tie along with Aisamul Haq Qureshi as they won the all-important doubles rubber against Chinese Taipei, along with their respective reverse singles matches.

The 35-year-old said he is eager to repeat his performances against Chinese Taipei in Group I.

Meanwhile, coach Hamedul Haq said that since Pakistan will be hosting the tie, they need to try and arrange it in the country instead of opting for a neutral venue.

“We need grass courts to defeat China,” said Hamed. “Their players are competing against the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the ATP circuit, so of course they’ll be very tough to play against. But we’ll have hope if we play on grass courts.”

Hosting the tie at home may not be easy though. “The International Tennis Federation will not let us host it in Lahore,” added Haq. “But given our diplomatic relations with them, China may agree to come and play in Pakistan.”

He added that Pakistan will take on India if they manage to get past China, a tie sure to garner a lot of hype and interest on both sides of the border.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2015.

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