India win first tie of tennis series

ISLAMABAD—India beat Pakistan in the deciding doubles match at Islamabad Club clay courts on Tuesday to win the opening tie of the four-ties home-and-away tennis series between the two countries.
Indian duo of Rohan Bopanna and Mustafa Ghaus downed their Pakistani doubles rivals Aisamul Haq and Aqeel Khan 6-4, 7-6 to take a winning 2-1 lead in the best-of-three tie. The two countries had shared the honours by winning one singles match each on Monday—Aisamul Haq beating Rohan Bopanna but Karan Rastogi restoring parity for India with victory over Aqeel Khan.
The two teams will now play at grass courts in Lahore from Wednesday before crossing over into India for ties at Chandigarh and Gorgaon, near Delhi. Aisamul Haq will take on Karan Rastogi at 10.00 a.m., followed with second singles match between Aqeel Khan and Rohan Bopanna at Lahore on Wednesday.
Chairman Senate Mian Muhammad Soomro was the chief guest on the conclusion of the first tie at Islamabad Club on Tuesday. Senator Syed Dilawar Abbas, President of Pakistan Tennis Federation, announced on the occasion that Pakistan-India tennis series would be made an annual feature.
Secretary Pakistan Tennis Federation, Maj (R) Rashid Khan, was also present on the occasion. Anil Khanna, President Asian Tennis Federation and Secretary General of All India Lawn Tennis Association, thanked the Pakistan Tennis Federation for the warm hospitality and for arranging the series.
He disclosed that besides annually holding India-Pakistan series, Under 14 and Under 16 players of the two countries would also compete against each other. Chairman Senate, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro, awarded shields and prizes. It was also announced on the occasion that winner team of each would would get US 1,500 as prize money while losers would be given US $ 1,000.—APP