PAKISTAN?S TOP DAVIS CUP PLAYER COMPLAINS ABOUT DIFFICULT CONDITIONS FOR TIE VS THE PHILIPPINES
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 02 Apr 2014
Khan.
Pakistan?s top player Aqeel Khan says that the conditions in Manila will be difficult for them in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania zone Group II semi final tie against Philippines which opens on Friday at the Philippine Columbian tennis court in Paco, Manila.
The Pakistan team practiced Tuesday on the slower clay court amidst the hot and humid conditions which are expected to favor the Philippines.
Aqeel, who won three matches in Pakistan?s first round tie against Vietnam in February, said that it is unfortunate for the team to play their home-tie on their opponent?s choice of surface on April 4.
Aqeel told the Express Tribune of Pakistan ?conditions are tough in Philippines; they make us play on their courts. In the last three years, the Philippines federation used clay courts that I?ve only seen in the Philippines and nowhere else. It?s extremely hot, there?s no natural ventilation for fresh air at the venue. Even they know it?s unfair.?
Teammate Yasir Khan agreed with Aqeel and said the clay court is usually in the indoor setting and the humidity takes its toll on any foreign player.
Aqeel Khan complained ?It?s the attitude that isn?t changing. Philippines know that they shouldn?t have to use this strategy. But their courts suit their players and they win. ITF?s attitude needs to change as well.?
One of the supposed reasons for not holding the tie in Pakistan is the security situation but Aqeel claimed ?the security situation in Manila is more or less the same as Pakistan, but we can?t hold a tie here. However, the PTF should now work on this at least six to eight months ahead in future.?
Despite the conditions, Aqeel said Pakistan will not be easy to beat. He promised ?We?ll try our best. We will not make this an easy tie for them. Even they know that if they play against us in Pakistan, they?ll lose.?
The Philippines has won the last three encounters against Pakistan in Manila.
Meantime, Pakistan?s Davis Cup bid got a huge boost as Samir Iftikhar is all set to join the squad in Manila after the Pakistan Tennis Federation?s efforts to get Samir released from the University of New Mexico proved successful when head coach Alan Dils allowed the Pakistani player to represent his country against Philippines.
Pakistan believes its chances got an added impetus when tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi who usually plays only in the crucial doubles, confirmed his participation.
Pakistan Tennis Federation president Dr Syed Kaleem Imam confirmed Aisam?s availability and described it as ?a very positive development. We were in a fix due to Aisam?s absence in the squad. But his arrival will lift Pakistan?s morale and I hope Aisam will play a major role alongside Pakistan No. 1 player Aqeel Khan to help the country win crucial tie.
Top singles player Aqeel Khan was quoted by Pakistan media saying ?It is very good news for me and the country as Aisam?s availability in the tie means a lot for our ambitions. We have never beaten Philippines at their own backyard. We were beaten in all past ties against them just because we were without the services of Aisam. But things will be definitely different now and it will take majority of burden off from my shoulders, as we have a very ordinary team without Aisam.?
He said ?Aisam was missing for the last two to three years due to his international commitments, but this time, he made the right decision by opting to play for the country in the all-important tie against Philippines.?
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