Date:13/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/13/stories/2007111350861700.htm

Sport - Tennis

India-Pakistan series from today

New Delhi: A tough battle is on the cards when India and Pakistan lock horns in the second bilateral tennis series at Lahore from Tuesday.

The series, however, would not stage the girls’ singles and mixed doubles event, which was to be introduced this year, after the All India Tennis Association’s request in view of the political turmoil in the host nation.

“Our boys are already there (in Pakistan) playing ITF tournaments.

“Due to the political uncertainty there, we requested our counterparts not to include women teams in this series. We can have women participation next year,” AITA director Amarbir Singh, who will accompany the Indian team as manager, said.

Old format

It means the series goes back to the old format of two men’s singles and a doubles match.

The Indian team will be led by National champion Ashutosh Singh. An unfit Aditya Madkekar will not be able to play in the series, leaving the other two places for Vivek Shokeen and Sunil Kumar Sipayea.

The Pakistan team has a strong player in Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi. Aqeel Khan and his younger brother Jalil Khan are the other members.

The first leg of the series will be played at Lahore on November 13 and 14 and the second at Islamabad on November 15 and 16.

India’s coach and non-playing captain Akhtar Ali said the host has an edge because of Qureshi’s presence in the team.

“Qureshi is a class player. We don’t have a class player like him. So our strategy would be to win the second singles and doubles match. If Ashutosh can upset Qureshi our job becomes easy,” the former Davis Cup coach said.

The coach exuded confidence in the Ashutosh-Shokeen pair and said much would depend on their performance together. — PTI