July 10, 2008	Thursday	Rajab 6, 1429

LAHORE, July 9: Pakistan’s ace tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq toppled German Davis Cup winner Benjamin Becker in the opening round of the International Hall of Fame ATP Championship in New Port, US, according to the information received here on Wednesday.

The championship carries a prize money of $385,000.

Benjamin, a recent top 30 ATP player was responsible for the exit of the world no 4 Nicolay Davyderko from the recently-concluded Wimbledon Tennis Championship last week.

“I feel very comfortable playing on the International Hall of Fame Tennis Club grass courts. I was successful in beating top seed Mardy Fish here last year and I am pleased to have added another great name today to my collection of victims.

“Now I am looking forward to test my nerves against the defending champion Fabrice Santoro,” said Aisam.

Winning the toss and opting to serve first, Aisam went on to comfortably secure his service games.

Although he had to go into a tie breaker in the second set when Benjamin got a mini break, Aisam levelled almost immediately through a back-handed shot to win the tie break.

Pairing with Rohan Bopanna of India later, Aisam defeated the American pair of Tripp Philips and Jim Thomsen with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 10-2.