July 21, 2002	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 10,1423

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LAHORE, July 20: Aisamul Haq continued his winning streak by qualifying for the quarterfinals of singles event and the semifinals of the doubles in the Manchester Trophy International men’s grass court tennis championship, according to message received Saturday.

In the pre-quarterfinals of singles, Aisam defeated the world No 150 and No 2 seed of the tournament, Jean Francois Bachelet of France after a gruelling fight. Aisam won in straight set but after a tie-break in both the sets. The score in Aisam’s favour was 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6).

Bachelet was considered to be one of the best Frenchmen on grass, but Aisam played with more determination and spirit to earn a notable win. Aisam matched the Parisian in every aspect of the game whether it was on aces, volleys or power play.

Aisam, during both the tie breaks took chances on Bachelet’s serves and won points by effective chip and charge. Aisam will face British Davis Cupper Arvind Parmar in the quarterfinals.

In the doubles event, Aisam and Karol Beck of Slovakia beat Franco American pair of Dough Bohaboy and Benjamin Cassigne after a three set match (2-1).

The score being 6-2, 5-7, 6-3. Aisam and partner had won the first set rather comfortably at 6- 2. But in the second set their opponents succeeded to break Karol’s serve at 5-6 before winning it 7-5.

However by playing more skillfully in the third set Aisam and partner won after dropping just three games (6-3) to make the last four.

In the prefinal, Aisam and partner will face the Italians Cristiano Caratti and Filippo Messori.