26 September 2004	Sunday	10 Shaban 1425

ISLAMABAD, Sept 25: Aisamul Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan gave Pakistan a vital 2-1 advantage ahead of Sunday's reverse singles, as they tossed hospitality out of the window , walloping New Zealand in the doubles match of the Asia Oceania Zone Group I playoff on Saturday at the Islamabad Club.

Showing no signs of cramps that had seen him go down briefly in his singles win on Friday, Aisam and Aqeel proved rude hosts inflicting a 6-4, 6-4, 6-1 defeat on Mark Nielsen and Simon Rea.

Aqeel who had fared poorly in his singles match the day before, made amends to surprise the rival camp with his fine play.

"We let the match slip away early in the first set and Aqeel got into the match a little bit better and played some good tennis," New Zealand captain Bruce Derlin said. But a word of advice from his captain Rashid Malik may have done Aqeel's confidence a world of good. "I had told him just to keep the ball in and make them play; I am glad that he did just that."

Pakistan had made a perfect start to the match winning the first set after breaking Nielsen's serve in the 10th game, Aisam sending a down the line return to wrest initiative.

In what was a hard-fought set, New Zealand came back four times to level the game scores but with Aisam firing on all cylinders and Aqeel having stepped up a gear, there seemed no way out for the visitors.

The second set saw the home team race ahead, as they broke Rea's serve twice, first in the second game and then again in the 10th that enabled Pakistan to finish off the set and be in the driving seat.

Life continued to be difficult for the rival duo who just could not cope with the Aisam's powerful serves and passing shots and Aqeel's fine volleys. With Pakistan 5-1 up, the writing was on the wall for New Zealand and it was soon all over for them.

"They are not natural volleyers; they are solid but not good on the net," Rashid said of Nielsen and Rea. "Their captain was very aggressive yesterday in his comments on Aqeel, but I think our players are as good as any player. They only need confidence and support."

Derlin, who believes Aqeel is a weak player, had said on Friday that his 350 ranking was of little significance for he had got there by playing tournaments in the subcontinent.

"Aqeel is 350 by playing in Pakistan and India, a ranking achieved not by playing in tournaments in the US or Europe."

With a 2-1 advantage, Sunday's first reverse singles will see Aisam take on Nielsen and Aqeel facing off Rea in the second match.

"It will be a very crucial tie, it could go to the fifth match," Rashid said. "Although it is a big advantage being 2-1 up, it is not over yet but still we are very positive."

Rashid said that much would depend on Aisam's fitness. "If he is physically fit then we can take an unbeatable lead. Let's see how he turns up tomorrow." He was confident that Aqeel would play even better on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Derlin admitted that things won't be easy for his side. "It is a big match, Nielsen has to come up and beat Aisam; Pakistan put their hopes on him. They have to win one, we have to win two."

Result: (doubles) Aisamul Haq Qureshi-Aqeel Khan (Pak) bt Mark Nielsen-Simon Rea (NZ) 6-4, 6-4, 6-1. Singles (played Friday): Mark Nielsen (NZ) bt Aqeel Khan (Pak) 6- 0, 6-2, 6-2; Aisamul Haq Qureshi (Pak) bt Simon Rea (NZ) 6-3, 6- 4, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3.