LAHORE, April 1: Mohammad Naeemullah, manager of Pakistan tennis team for the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group I tie against India, said on Saturday that the contest between the two countries would be evenly fought.

He said Pakistan squad was well prepared under supervision of coach and former Davis Cupper Rashid Malik, and he expected good performance.

Observing that Pakistan team comprising Aisamul Haq, Aqeel Khan his brother Jalil Khan and Asim Shafiq underwent extensive training at the Bagh-i-Jinnah coaching centre, Naeemullah said “They are mentally and emotionally strong and I am quite hopeful about the positive outcome of the contest”.

Naeemullah however conceded that India had an advantage in the doubles as Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were ranked among the top ten in the world.

He said there were reports that Bhupathi might not play because of a shoulder problem.

“However, we will know the exact position only on reaching Mumbai,” he maintained.

The three-day tie will be held from April 7 to 9 at the tennis courts of the Cricket Club of India in the Brabourne Stadium in central Mumbai.

The Pakistan team will travel to Mumbai via Karachi on Monday.

Players will practice for another four days to acclimatise themselves with the hot and humid weather of India’s main commercial city.—APP