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By APD Writer Muhammad Sohail
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 16 (APD) - Thailand thrashed Pakistan in a doubles match of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II final in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad on Saturday.
The Thailand team comprises twin brother Sanchai Ratiwatana and Sonchat Ratiwatana outclassed Pakistan's Muhammad Abid and Shahzad Khan by 3-1 (4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-1) in the doubles.
Pakistan duo won the first set by 6-4, but looked out of color in next three sets and lost the match played at the grass court of the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad.
Following the match that lasted for 2 hours and 15 minutes, Pakistan’s non-playing captain Mohammed Khalid said, “We didn't play our top players Aqeel Khan and Aisam ul Haq Qureshi in the doubles as we wanted to avoid an injury of these two players.”
The captain said Pakistan wants to come back strong on Sunday along with its top players Aisam and Aqeel in the reverse singles.
“Though we didn't expect this type of result hopefully we would do better on the last day,” said Khalid.
Pakistan still lead the ties by 2-1 as it won both singles on Friday.
In the opening match on Friday, Pakistan No. 1 Aqeel Khan defeated Thai opponent Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul in straight sets by 6-3, 6-4, and 6-4, while Pakistan’s international tennis star Aisam ul Haq Qureshi outclassed Thai player Kittiphong Wachiramanowong by hammering him with one-sided straight sets 6-1, 6-0, 6-4.
To win the final, Pakistan needs to get a victory in one match while Thai side requires winning both matches on Sunday. The victorious team will proceed to next stage of Davis Cup Asia-Oceania.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
