Pakistan take 2-0 lead in Davis Cup Group I tie
February 02, 2018
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan were off to a winning start during the first day of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group I tie against South Korea.
In the first match on Friday, Aisam outclassed the visitors’ top player Soon Woo Kwon 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(8-6) on the grass courts of the Pakistan Sports Complex, taking Pakistan 1-0 up in the tie.
Fellow tennis star Aqeel Khan faced Korea’s No. 2 Seong-chan Hong in the second singles match. In a tough fought match Aqeel came out on top 4-6, 7-5, 7-5.
In the doubles contest on Saturday, Aisam and Aqeel will take on Soon Woo Kwon and Yong-Kyu Lim, while reverse singles will see Aqeel face off against Soon Woo and Aisam against Seong-chan Hong on the same day.
Speaking to media following his opening match, Aisam said he knew his rival was facing pressure heading into the game.
"I used my experience to the fullest, and focused on my serve," he said, adding that he is hopeful Pakistan will win the next matches too.
The draw ceremony for the tie was held on Thursday. International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) referee Tom Kinloch supervised the draw ceremony and emphasised the need of playing the tie in the best spirit.
