ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Aisamul Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan set the ball rolling Friday against South Korea’s top players in Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group I tie.
In the first match, Aisam outclassed 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.
Feeling proud to be representing #Pakistan fr the 42nd time alongside aqeelkhan in his 50th appearance in #daviscup pic.twitter.com/DJxTbDhAqS
— Aisam ul Haq Qureshi (@aisamhqureshi) February 1, 2018
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.
In doubles on Saturday, Aisam and Aqeel will take on Soonwoo and Yong-Kyu Lim while on the same day reverse singles will see Aqeel playing Soonwoo and Aisam taking on Seong Chan Hong. Both countries have the option to change players half an hour before the start of the match.
