Disappointing day for Pakistan tennis in Asian Games

INCHEON, South Korea: Pakistan had a disappointing day in tennis at the Asian Games after their top players Aqeel Khan and Muhammad Abid crashed out from the singles and doubles events on Thursday.

Country’s ranking Aqeel was given a rough and tough time by Lu Yen Shun of Chinese Taipei before racing to 6-0, 6-1 victory in the second round of the singles here at Yeonhaui tennis hard courts.

Aqeel featuring in his third successive games had a little clue to handle speedy serve ground strokes and vollies from Shun to make his exit from the last 32 stage.

After being demolished 6-0 by Lu Yen in the first set, Aqeel was able to win a game before making his exit from the competition.

Muhammad Abid also suffered 6-2, 6-0 loss to 15th seed Sanjar Fayzieb of Uzbekistan. He resisted briefly in the first set by taking two games. But eventually was blasted away by Sanjar as he played brilliant strokes and forceful winners to race to any easy victory.

Aqeel and Abid also lost the first round of doubles event. Pakistan duo put up a far better show in the double before being defeated 6-3, 6-1 against Maoxin Gong Li Zhe of China.

Aqeel and Abid played well in the opening set losing 3-6. But faded away as Gong and Zhe found their rhythm and strokes.

Like their men, Pakistan women player Sara Mansoor after winning her first round lost to Uzbekistan’s Niaina Abduraimova 6-0, 6-0 women singles.

Sara struggled throughout the match as Niaina played attacking game from the baseline to outclass her opponent without any trouble. (APP)