28 February 2005	Monday	18 Muharram 1426

LAHORE, Feb 27: President Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Dilawar Abbas said on Sunday Pakistan have a 50-50 chance to win the forthcoming Davis Cup Asia Oceania Zone Group-I tie against Thailand.

He said while addressing a press conference that the presence of world ranked No 11 Paradon Srichaphan among them gave Thailand an edge but the home advantage would help a lot Pakistan's top-seed Aisamul Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan to win.

"Aisam has quite a lot international experience while Aqeel Khan is our main weapon and I have high hopes they will do well," Mr Abbas said. The tie is scheduled to be held at the Lahore's oldest Cosmopolitan Club in Bagh-i-Jinnah on March 4-6. The club was established way back in 1927 by the then Governor of Punjab Mr Hailey.

To a question Pakistan relies too much on Aisam and Aqeel and the PTF has no backup players, Mr Abbas replied that the federation recently inducted upcoming lanky Shahzad Khan in the Davis Cup team, who has defeated seasoned campaigner Nomi Qamar in the trials. But he admitted Shahzad needed much exposure to be able to compete at international level.

He said that the Thai squad would arrive here on March 1 and the draws ceremony would be held on March 3. The ITF had appointed Gary-Au-Yeung of Hong Kong as umpire and Andrew Kornilove and Tarek Mahmood Maher his assistants.

THAI SQUAD: Paradon Srichaphan, Danal Udormchok, Sonchat Ratiwatana, Sanchai Ratiwatana, Col Phitsanu Arthakom Siripho (manager), Vittaya Samrei (assistant manager), Chanalhdi Srichaphan (non-playing captain), Suttipong Chuntara, Witoon Mingkaun, Teerawat Yioyim.