January 25, 2002	Friday	Ziqa’ad 10, 1422

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LAHORE, Jan 24: Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq defeated Karim Maamoun of Egypt 6-2 and 7-5 in first round of the Abu Dhabi Open Tennis Championship at Abu Dhabi Airport Club court.

In next round of the contest, Aisam will face Taiwan’s No 1 player Yen Tzuoo Wang.

In all, 32 players from Austria, Uzbekistan, France, Italy, India, Netherlands, Croatia, Slovakia, Britain, Tunisia, Egypt, Pakistan, Kuwait, Russia, Taiwan, Ireland, Czech  Republic, Germany and South Africa are taking part in the championship.

Aisam won first set in 25 minutes, conceding only two games. He served brilliantly and backed up his serves with excellent volleys and bullet-like cross-court down the line winners.

In the second set also, Aisam started well and succeeded in breaking Karim’s service. However, when he was serving for the match in 10th game at 5-4 (40-0), Aisam lost concentration. He double-faulted and then committed two unforced errors, making it deuce. Karim took full advantage of Aisam’s mistakes and went on to win the 10th game to level the score in the set 5-5.

At this stage, Aisam braced up his game and broke Karim’s very next service as he had no answer to Aisam’s serves and return winners. Aisam won the second set 7-5 and the match.