04 September 2004	Saturday	18 Rajab 1425

KARACHI, Sept 3: Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) chief Dilawar Abbas said on Friday that they have forgiven tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi for his past mistakes and looking ahead for his participation in coming Davis Cup tie against New Zealand.

"What Aisam had done at international circuit was his personal matter and PTF can not interfere in it," he told reporters after the third leg of ITF Satellite circuit at Karachi Gymkhana.

He said Aisam pairing with Amir Hadad of Israel in doubles event of Wimbeldon 2002 was his personal thing. However, he made it clear Aisam will not be allowed to do things like that when playing for Pakistan in Davis Cup and other events.

Dilawar said apart from other things, Aisam could not play for Pakistan in the past because of fitness problems and denied that the player demanded big money from PTF for playing in the Davis Cup.

He said PTF will take care of all genuine demands of players while playing for Pakistan in Davis Cup. PTF boss said holding of Pakistan Satellite circuit raised the image of the country and it provided home players much needed international exposure.

He said it was nice to see Pakistan's Aqeel Khan, who gave a creditable performance in the circuit and raised valuable points on ITF circuit. To a question regarding being proud with just two international players Aqeel and Aisam in their fold, the PTF chief said they were also concentrating on grooming youngsters.

Dilawar said coming Davis Cup tie against New Zealand is to be played at clay courts in Islamabad from Sept 25 to 26 because Pakistan got good players on that kind of surface. -APP