ISLAMABAD – Pakistan were off to a winning start during the first day ofthe Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group I tie against South Korea.In the first match on Friday, Aisam outclassed the visitors’ top playerSoon Woo Kwon 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(8-6) on the grass courts of the Pakistan SportsComplex, taking Pakistan 1-0 up in the tie.
Fellow tennis star Aqeel Khan faced Korea’s No. 2 Seong-chan Hong in thesecond 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 WooKwon and Yong-Kyu Lim, while reverse singles will see Aqeel face offagainst Soon Woo and Aisam against Seong-chan Hong on the same day.
Speaking to media following his opening match, Aisam said he knew his rivalwas 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 TennisFederation’s (ITF) referee Tom Kinloch supervised the draw ceremony andemphasised the need of playing the tie in the best spirit.