Davis Cup Group II tie: Aisam, Aqeel shine as Pakistan beat Hong Kong

Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi. -Photo by AFP

 

KARACHI: Pakistan won the first round Davis Cup Asia/Oceania zone group II tie by defeating hosts Hong Kong 3-2  on Sunday. Pakistan’s ace Aisam-ul-Haq overcame Martin Sayer 7-6(8), 6-3, 7-6 (4) after a tough game in the first reverse singles to steer Pakistan to unassailable 3-1 lead. Debutant Samir Iftikhar, however, went down in straight sets 1-6, 4-6 to Jonathan Chu in the second reverse singles.Earlier, Pakistan entered the competition on the concluding day enjoying a 2-1 lead. According to draws, victorious Pakistan are now slated to meet South Korea in the second round being played from July 8 to 10. The latter had whipped Syria 4-1. Meanwhile, Pakistan team is scheduled to return Islamabad on Monday night.

Results:

Pakistan bt Hong Kong 3-2.

Singles: Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi lost to Hiu-Tung Yu 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 5-7, 4-6;

Aqeel Khan bt Martin Sayer 7-5, 7-5, 6-4.

Doubles: Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi/Aqeel Khan bt Jonathan
Chu/Vanwyk Coenie 7-6 (4), 6-4, 6-4.

Reverse singles: Aisam-ul-Haq bt Martin Sayer 7-6 (8), 6-3, 7-6                                                           

(4); Samir Iftikhar lost to Jonathan Chu 1-6, 4-6.