KARACHI, Jan 19: Five players are to vie for three places in Pakistan team when trials for Asia Oceania Zone Group II Davis Cup away tie against Philippines begin at CDGK Sports Complex from Tuesday.

Aisamul Haq and Aqeel Khan were exempted from the trials but the former has expressed his inability to visit Manila where the match will be played from Feb 9 to 11, PTF official and camp commandant, Khalid Rehmani, said Friday.

Pakistan was relegated to group II after losing all group I matches last year. Philippines, on the other hand, were promoted from group III.

Asim Shafik, Jalil Khan and Shahzad Khan form one group while the other consists of Tanvir Aashiq and Yasir Khan.

After playing matches on league basis top two players will step in the team from the first group and will be joined by winner of best of three between Tanvir and Yasir.

The selection will be followed by camp at the same premises which will continue until team’s departure.