September 20, 2002	Friday	Rajab 12, 1423

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PESHAWAR, Sept 19: Draws for the three-day Davis Cup Asia Oceania Zone Group II final between Pakistan and China scheduled to start Friday were announced Thursday.

Pakistan number two Aqeel Khan would play against China number one Zhu Benqiang whereas Pakistan number one Aisamul Haq Qureshi  would face China number two Wang Xu on the first day (Friday).

On Saturday Aqeel and Aisam will face Wang Yu and Zeng Shao Xuan in the doubles. The draw was announced by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) referee Hiro Yahata.

The reverse singles have been scheduled for Sunday.

Pakistan’s non-playing captain Rashid Malik told Dawn that both the teams had equal chance to win the tie.  

Later Pakistan’s top player Aisam set aside the impression that he was unhappy over the holding of the matches in Peshawar and  said that the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) misunderstood his remarks.

“Actually I had said that the (Davis Cup) was a big  event  and should have been played in Lahore because all the players including me were used to Lahore court”.

Aisam said the team members were fully fit and hoped that  the local people would witness thrilling and entertaining matches.

Meanwhile players of the Pakistani  squad  expressed displeasure over their low match fee.

They said it was necessary for the promotion  of the game to enhance facilities and cash incentives for the players.

Order of play

FRIDAY: Aqeel  Khan  v  Zhu Benqiang; Aisamul Haq Qureshi v Wang Xu.

SATURDAY: Aisamul Haq and Aqeel Khan v Wang Yu and Zeng Shao Xuan

SUNDAY: Aisamul Haq v Zhu Benqiang; Aqeel Khan vs Wang Yu.