KARACHI, Oct 13 The three Indian veterans who were supposed to take part in 11th Pakistan International Seniors Tennis Championship opted not to travel across the border after one of them was refused visa by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi on Monday.

“P. R. Raju and Rakesh Kohli were issued visas while Ramesh Manchala was denied,” an official of the organising committee said on Tuesday.

In addition, Ramesh's wife who was to accompany as manager was also accorded visa. “We have planned to travel together,” the official quoted one of the Indian players as saying after refusal of visa to his colleague.

Indians have been regularly featuring in the event for quite sometime. Kothial Murthy took part in the 35 plus singles last year while eight players featured in 2007.

Meanwhile, according to draws held after the refusal of Indians, Mohammad Abdul Saeed, Tahir Gul and Sabih Wali have been top seeded in 35, 45 and 55 plus singles respectively.

The formal opening of the event was held at the Karachi Club on Monday evening.

Results

35 plus singles

Mohammad Iltifat bt Salman Maniya 6-2, 6-4; Mohammad Bashir Khan bt Imran Aboubaker 6-4 (retired); Ejaz Sarhadi bt Tariq Mehmood 6-2, 6-2.

45 plus singles

Syed Khalid Ali bt Asfandyar R. Minwala 6-0, 6-0.

55 plus singles

Wolf Gang (Germany) bt Auprice Jean Louis (France) 6-4, 6-1.