ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) is hopeful that the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will hold the Davis Cup tie against Iran in Pakistan by all means, as per the schedule already announced.

The championship is slated to be held here in Islamabad in February, however, Iran has appealed before the ITF, requesting it to relocate the event from Pakistan, citing security issues.

The ITF will decide Iran’s request in next few days.

“There is no question of relocating the Davis Cup tie, which the ITF has allotted to us after thorough scrutiny by its independent security consultants,” said PTF president Salim Saifullah Khan.

He was addressing a press conference to announce Serena hotel’s Asian Tennis Tour. Others who were present on the occasion were: Serena hotel’s sports diplomacy director Shehryar Khan, PTF secretary Khalid Rehmani and Zubia Asher.

The PTF president said Iran had been playing in Pakistan since last two years.

“I don’t think there is any ground for the ITF to decide in Iran’s favour,” he added.

Talking about government’s support for the PTF, Salim said, “The federal government has decided to give us Rs50 million for uplifting the sport in the country. We are really thankful to them and the Pakistan Sport Board.”

The Asian Tennis Tour will be held at the Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue, Islamabad from Dec 12 to 18.

Salim informed the media that players from Uzbekistan and India will be seen in action alongside their Pakistani counterparts in the event which carries US$5,000 prize money.

He further said that US$2,000 will be distributed among top 16 players of men’s singles ATT event, which has only one discipline of men’s singles.

Khalid Rehmani said more than 100 participants had already confirmed their participation in the tournament.

Meanwhile, a national ranking tournament will also be held in which Rs232,000 will be distributed among top players.

This event has ladies singles, boys’ U-18, U-14 and U-10 singles, besides seniors 45 plus and 60 plus doubles.

Published in Dawn December 10th, 2016