Saturday, July 04, 2009
By Khalid Hussain
KARACHI: Pakistan are hoping their tennis ace Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi will capitalise on the positive energy from an impressive Wimbledon campaign to inspire them in a tough zonal Davis Cup tie against the Philippines in Manila next week.
Aisam teamed up with India’s Prakash Amritraj to reach the third round of the men’s doubles in Wimbledon before going down fighting against fourth seeds Mark Knowles and Mahesh Bhupathi 6-4, 5-7, 7-6, 6-0.
He will now spearhead Pakistan’s campaign in their clash against the Philippines in the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group-II second round to be played at the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) tennis courts in Manila from July 10-12.
“Aisam’s good form in the Wimbledon is great news for us,” said Rashid Malik, Pakistan’s non-playing captain. “He is a very good and experienced player and we are confident that he would click in our crucial Davis Cup tie here next week,” he added from Manila.
Pakistan received a setback much ahead of the Davis Cup tie when the International Tennis Federation (ITF) shifted the match from Lahore to Manila because of security apprehensions. They were planning to host the tie on grass in Lahore but will now have to play it on clay in hot and humid Manila.
Malik said that Pakistan’s were unlucky that they were deprived of their home advantage but was quick to add that his players have put that blow behind them and are now looking forward to giving their best against the Philippines.
“We have been working hard for this tie and the players are getting ready for a winning performance in it,” said Malik, a former Pakistan number one.
Pakistan will be relying heavily on Aisam and Aqeel Khan — the duo that took them to the World Group Playoffs in 2005. Aqeel’s younger brothers Jalil and Yasir complete the four-man squad.
Meanwhile, the hosts have decided to field an unchanged team against Pakistan in the best-of-five encounter. Local officials believe their boys have an edge over Pakistan in the tie.
“We are at home and we are playing on clay, which is what the players want,” said Randy Villanueva, Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta) Davis Cup coordinator.
Cecil Mamiit, Treat Conrad Huey, Francis Casey Alcantara and Patrick John Tierro, who led Philippines to a first round win over Hong Kong in March, were retained by the hosts.
The 32-year-old Mamiit won two singles and one doubles matches in the rain-marred tie against Hong Kong.
Huey, 23, is in his second tie for the Philippines. He was 1-1 against Hong Kongóhe lost his singles assignment but teamed up with Mamiit for the doubles victory.
The 17-year-old Alcantara, who made an early exit in the singles and doubles competition of the Wimbledon juniors tournament, eyes another fruitful stint after winning his first Davis Cup match against Hong Kong.
Tierro, who secured a Davis Cup slot during the Metro Open tennis championship in February, will also provide stability to the team.
Mamiit is back home after making it to the quarter-finals of a Malaysian International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament.
Pakistan reached Manila on Thursday after spending a week in Malaysia where they were sent by the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) to train for the Davis Cup assignment.