Aisam claims doubles crown

Published July 17, 2002

LAHORE, July 16: Pakistan’s tennis ace, Aisam ul Haq and his new partner Australian Dejan Petrovic lifted the doubles title of ATP Challenger championship at Bristol, defeating Italian duo of Daniele Bracciali and Pozzi Gianluca 7-5,6-3 in the final, said a message received from England Tuesday.

Aisam became the second Pakistani player to ever reach the pre-quarter final stage of the Wimbledon doubles earlier this month.

It was Aisam’s 17th doubles title in mens international tennis.

Aisam and partner exhibited overwhelming power game on the grass courts of Bristol Lawn Tennis and Squash Club in West England. They broke the Italian duo service game once in the first set and twice in the second with the aid of sizzling return winners.

Aisam a strong serve and volley player, stood firmed at the net and smartly killed every ball with sliced volleys and powerful smashes.

Earlier in the semi finals, they disposed off Mose Navarra and Igor Gaudi in straight sets 6-4,6-3. Before they beat the British Davis Cupper pair Arvind Parmar and Luke Milligan 7-5,6-3.

Aisam and partner struck extra ordinary performance throughout the tournament and the win the event without dropping a single set or serve game.

“I am pleased to win another laurel for my country and I will continue to raise Pakistan’s flag high wherever I play. I dedicate my victory to all the tennis lovers and well wishers in Pakistan,” said Aisam in his post match comments.—APP