Friday, April 11, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 4,1429    

Pak beat Vietnam in Davis Cup Tennis

Sports Reporter

Islamabad—Pakistan overwhelmed Vietnam 3-0 in the Oceania Davis Cup Group-III fixture on Thursday in Tehran, a spokesman for Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) told reporters here yesterday.

In Pool-A the first singles Pakistan Number two Aqeel Khan beat Vietnam No.2 Minh Quan Do 6-2 and 6-3. Aqeel was in full form and did not allow his opponent to settle down throughout the match by his powerful forehand and backhand drives. He won the first set at 6-2 by breaking 5th and 7th game of Minh Quan Do.

He kept the same pressure in the second set and score went up to 3-3 all. Aqeel at this stage to hold his serve with two aces and broke the 8th game of Minh Quan Do by hitting passing shots. He won the 2nd set 6-3 by holding his own serve and build up the Pakistan lead 1-0.

However, in the second singles match number one player of Pakistan Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi eliminated number one player of Vietnam Quang Huy Ngo in straight set 6-2 and 6-4 by displaying powerful serve and volley game.

Meanwhile, in the doubles match Captain Rashid Malik once again put the pair Asim Shafik and Jibran Muhammadi. Both the players played excellent game and appreciated by the large number of spectators. They beat Minh Quan Do & Quoc Khanh Le in straight set 6-2 and 6-2. After this victories Pakistan have confirmed their his position for the final round.

President PTF, Syed Dilawar Abbas was also watched the match and appreciated the efforts put in and game played by all the four players in their singles and doubles matches. By winning from Vietnam today 3-0 Pakistan has gone in the second round, where we strongly feel that we shall win and get in to Group-II of Davis Cup. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, Aqeel Khan’s winning of their singles gave confidence to Asim Shafik & Jibran Muhammadi new find for Pakistan tennis for winning their double matches.

In Pool-A Syria also confirm his position for the second round, whereas from Pool-B Iran and Malaysia also qualified for the final round.

Pakistan will play against Syria tomorrow at 9:30 am.

Following are the results:

First Singles: Aqeel Khan (PAK) beat Minh Quan Do (VIE) 6-2 6-3

Second Singles: Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi beat Quang Huy Ngo 6-2 6-4

Doubles: Asim Shafik & Jibran Muhammadi (PAK) beat Minh Quan Do & Quoc Khanh Le 6-2 6-2.