February 14, 2006	Tuesday	Muharram 15, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 13: Pakistan’s 3-2 defeat away to Taiwan over the weekend in the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group I was always on cards because of the mismanagement that preceded the trip.

The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) is to blame for the loss for its lack of planning that led to the side suffering as it did.

Due to lack of proper strategy the players never got an opportunity to play a five-set match at the camp in Karachi and a planned stopover for training and practice in Hong Kong en route to Taiwan never materialised.

PTF’s idea of acclimatisation in Hong Kong ahead of the Feb 10-12 tie went up in thin air in Islamabad as officials woke up from a slumber to find the embassy closed for Chinese New Year and hence no visas could be obtained.

The results of improper camp training soon became evident when Pakistan after winning the five-set doubles through Aisamul Haq and Aqeel Khan, slumped in the reverse singles.

“One five-setter cost us the tie for Aisam and Aqeel were too tired after their doubles heroics the day earlier,” said former Davis Cup player Mushaf Zia.

“We always rely on these two players and I wonder how long are we going to continue banking on them,” he told Dawn. “After a gruelling match they just did not have the energy to wrap up the tie.”

Hameedul Haq, who has the most singles Davis Cup wins for Pakistan said the pattern of events in the run-up to the tie was similar to what happened last September before the team played Chile.

“PTF’s ill planning meant that the players were out of shape when they arrived in Chile after five days of extensive travel. A 5-0 whitewash hence came as no surprise.”

Hameed pointed to PTF’s claim then of staging a camp in Argentina on way to Chile which also could not be held.

“On top of that Aqeel was to play in the Asian Championship in Uzbekistan before the tie but despite having a valid visa, officials sent his passport to the Chile embassy which got delayed there.”

The PTF’s list of blunders is endless. Only last month a junior under-14 team that went to Myanmar, was made to go through trials on clay while the tournament was held on hard courts. “With no camp organised the results had to be poor.”

Hameed said that it was time the PTF organised itself before the next tie against India. “Our strong point is doubles but their pair is a lot more stronger, therefore planning should start now.”