ISLAMABAD: Another special performance from the experienced duo of Aisamul Haq and Aqeel Khan helped Pakistan win the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie against South Korea here at the Pakistan Sports Complex grass courts.
Following their dazzling performance in the opening day singles, Aisam and Aqeel returned Saturday morning to beat a formidable Korean pair of Soon Woo Kwon and Yong-Kyu Lim 7-6(8), 6-4 to seal the tie 3-0 even before the reverse singles.
The victory means Pakistan will now take on Uzbekistan in the second round of Group I.
That tie will also to be held in Islamabad on April 6-7. Korea will play New Zealand to stay alive in Group I.
All eyes were on the doubles encounter between Pakistan’s best and Korea’s top duo led by world No 178 Soon Woo.
The opening set saw the opponents holding their serve. However, Aisam survived a scare as Korea failed to utilise a break point opportunity. Late in the set, two more break opportunities came Korea’s way but Aisam held his nerves and using his international experience took the set to a tiebreak.
There was nothing to differentiate between the two teams even in the tiebreak. Aqeel had his chance but double faulted. At 8-8, Pakistan got a mini break which was enough to seal the first set.
The Pakistani pair survived two break points at the outset of second set which was saved courtesy some rasping sizzlers from Aisam. Both pairs held their serves till 4-4.
Yong-Kyu, who was getting first taste of grass surface in Pakistan, then was seen coming under pressure on his serve as the Korea pair lost point after point to concede a break at a critical stage.
At 5-4, Aisam faced little problem in retaining his serve, enabling Pakistan to seal the tie to the jubilation of a large local crowd.
“It was a really tough contest since Aqeel was not hundred percent fit. Still he played brilliant tennis. I have hardly seen such a remarkable win in the past.
“It’s a great victory the credit of which goes to both Aqeel and Aisam. They have really made the country proud,” non playing captain Hameedul Haq said.
He praised the players’ spirit. “They are real fighters who have stood for Pakistan tennis in thick and thin.”
It was back in 2005 that Aisam and Aqeel helped Pakistan beat Korea in Lahore.
In the reverse singles that turned out to be a mere formality, Abid Ali Akbar beat 16-year-old Minjong Park 7-6(2), 7-6(5) as Pakistan won the tie 4-0. The non-playing captains then decided not to play the second reverse singles.
from The News International - Sports http://ift.tt/2DZSli4
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