February 11, 2007	Sunday	Muharram 22, 1428

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KARACHI, Feb 10: The Philippines seized a 2-1 lead against Pakistan when they won doubles event on the second day of Asia-Oceania zone group II first round at Rizal Memorial Tennis Centre, Manila, on Saturday.

Earlier, the two teams were squared 1-1 at the end of opening day. Cecil Mamit gave his country a solid start by chalking up an easy 6-1, 6-0, 6-1 victory over Jalil Khan. However, Pakistan’s top player Aqeel Khan rallied hard to get past Eric Taino 4-6, 6-0, 7-6 (7-1), 7-5.

In the doubles, the pair of Johnny Arcilla – Patrick John Tierro recovered from one set down to inflict 3-1 victory over Aqeel Khan – Asim Shafik 5-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 to forged 2-1 up in the match.

Aqeel takes on Mamit while Jalil will be up against Taino in the two reverse singles on Sunday to decide the fate of the tie.

Results:

Doubles: Johnny Arcilla - Patrick John Tierro (PHI) bt Aqeel Khan - Asim Shafik (PAK) 5-7, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3.

On Friday (singles): Cecil Mamiit (PHI) bt Jalil Khan (PAK) 6-1, 6-0, 6-1; Aqeel Khan (PAK) bt Eric Taino (PHI) 4-6, 6-0, 7-6 (7-1), 7-5.—Agencies