KARACHI: Country's ace tennis player Aqeel Khan clinched his singles tie as Pakistan managed to level Hong Kong 1-1 on the opening day of three-day Asia Oceania zone group II Davis Cup fixture on the latter's soil on Friday. Pakistan suffered a blow when Aisam, who made headlines by making it to men's doubles and mixed doubles finals of the US Open with Rohan Bopanna and Kveta Peschke respectively last year, was stretched to limits by Hiu Tung Yu before bowing out in over four hour opening singles.
According to results made available here, Aisam was 3-1 up in the fourth set and leading 2-1 in the clash when chasing for a return he stretched muscle of his thigh which proved to be the turning point.Taking advantage, Hiu Tung Yu neutralised the lead by taking the fourth set and went on to win the decisive set also the scores being 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 5-7, 4-6.
Aqeel brought Pakistan back into the match handing out 7-5, 7-5, 6-4 defeat to Martin Sayer in the next singles.
The doubles will be played on Saturday followed by two reverse singles the next day.
Results:
Singles: Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi lost to Hiu Tung Yu 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 5-7, 4-6; Aqeel Khan bt Martin Sayer 7-5, 7-5, 6-4.
