简体中文
By APD Writer Muhammad Sohail
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 13 (APD) -- The Thailand and Pakistani tennis teams are all set to face each other in the upcoming Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II final commencing on Friday in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad.
The matches of the final will be played at the newly-laid grass courts of Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad from September 15 to 17.
Thai team has already reached Islamabad and looking for a tough competition with the Pakistani players in the final.
Talking to media, Thailand team captain Captain Vittaya Samrej said we expect a tough challenge on grass courts against Pakistan team because they are good at the home ground.
“We believe that we have an edge over Pakistan side in singles while Pakistan is good in doubles category,” said Samrej, adding that Pakistan is a sports loving country and they are hoping to see a good crowd on the day.
The Thailand team includes Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul, Kittiphong Wachiramanowong, Sanchai Ratiwatana and Sonchat Ratiwatana.
Pakistan’s top tennis star Aisam ul Haq, who is very happy to see international sports revival in the country, said it is the best Pakistan Davis Cup team available and all players are well prepared for the mega final.
“We have a chance to qualify for Group I. Doubles is our strength and it is the key to win in the Davis Cup tie,” said Aisam.
Besides Aisam, Pakistan team comprises Aqeel Khan, Shahzad Khan, Muhammad Abid and non-playing Captain Mohammed Khalid.
The draws ceremony will take place on Thursday at a local hotel in Islamabad.
Pakistan is hosting the Davis Cup ties after 12 years as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) had kept Pakistan on the list of unsafe venues.
Pakistani players were forced to play their ties in other countries, which affected their performance.
Earlier this year, Pakistan defeated Iran 3-2 in the first round and got a bye against China’s Hong Kong.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
