Pakistan leads by 2-0 in Davis Cup against South Korea

By APD writer Muhammad Sohail

**ISLAMABAD, Feb. 2 (APD) - **Pakistan dominated by 2-0 in the men’s singles of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone Group-I tie against South Korea on Friday this week.

Pakistan No. 1 player Aisam-ul-Haq outclassed his Korean counterpart Soon Woo Kwon by 2-1 (6-3, 1-6, 7-6) at grass courts of the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad.

Aisam won the first set by 6-3 while lost the second one to Soon by 1-6 before he made a comeback in the final set by 7-6 and won the match which lasted for 1 hour 45 minutes.

In the second match, Aqeel Khan beat Seong Chan Hong by 2-1 (4-6, 7-5, 7-5) in a tough match that continued for 2 hours 43 minutes.

Speaking on the occasion, Aisam expressed delight over winning the singles and said he knew there would be pressure on the Korean players.

“I focused on my game and utilized my experience to win the singles,” he said.

Aqeel said there was a huge pressure on him prior to the match as Aisam had won the first singles.

“I was very nervous in the game but my team believed in me and supported me,” he said.

Pakistan’s non-playing captain Hameed ul Haq said the South Korean team is the tennis power of Asia, adding “I never thought South Koreans would do so well on grass courts."

On Saturday, Aisam and Aqeel will play the double contest against Soon Woo Kwon and Yong-Kyu Lim, whereas reverse singles will see Aqeel face off in opposition to Soon Woo and Aisam in opposition to Seongchan Hong on an identical day.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)