Pakistan wins 3-2 Davis Cup tie against Iran By.Asghar Ali Mubarak

Islamabad-Pakistan won the Davis cup tie Iran 3-2 here at Islamabad Pakistan Sports complex Tennis Court. The visiting team Iran on Sunday registered back-to-back consolation victories against hosts Pakistan on the final day of their Davis Cup Group II Asia-Oceania zone match. Pakistan, hosting international tennis after a 12-year hiatus, had already won the tie by taking the first two singles and then the doubles match on last Saturday.Iran’s Hamid Reza Nadaf beat Pakistan’s Mohammad Abid Ali Khan Akbar by 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 6-3 in the first match of the day and the fourth rubber in the tie. Shahin Khaledan defeated Muhammad Abid 7-6 (10-8), 6-3.Earlier the Pakistani pair was replaced from earlier nomination and Aisamul Haq and Aqeel Khan who are the best pair for doubles and having impressive record in the tennis history of country. Iran team comprised Alborz Akhawan and Anoosha Shahgholi, Score in favor of Pakistan was 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.Pakistan was 2-0 up on the first day of the tie.President PTF Salim Saifullah Khan congratulated the team and thanked ITF to make this tie a successful event. Meanwhile before match the ITF commitment award was given to Hameedul Haq for his outstanding performances.  Mr. Salim Saifullah Khan, president PTF handed over the award to Mr, Stephan (ITF referee) who decorated Hamid.The Davis Cup Commitment Award is presented by the ITF to players who have shown long-standing dedication to representing their country in this prestigious competition. Each Award recipient has competed in a minimum of 20 home or away ties or 50 ties at any level of the competition (including Zone Group Events) over their career.The Award was conceived as part of the ITF’s 2013 Centenary celebrations and was launched at the 100th Davis Cup Final in 2012. A total of 339 players have met the criteria, with awards presented at ties throughout the year.Some facts and Achievements of Mr. Hamid ul Haq,First year played: 1984 to 1997,Year Played: 12, Number of Ties played: 21 Win / lose Singles: 19/11, Wins / Lose Doubles: 5-8, Total Wins / Lose 24-19, In 1984 he played 7 matches from which he won 6 and lose 1 only.He was part of team which created history of Pakistan tennis when Pakistan played Eastern Zone Final in 1984.It was one step away from Qualifying for the world group when losing the 1984 Eastern Zone Final against Japan. Earlier Pakistani tennis stars Aisam-ul-Haq  and Aqeel Khan saw Pakistan off to a winning start on the opening day of their Asia Oceania Group II Davis Cup tie against Iran on first day .Aqeel and Aisam, both defeated their rivals Shahin Khaledan 7-6, 6-4, 6-2 and Anoosha Shahgholi 6-1, 6-2, 6-2, respectively, giving Pakistan a 2-0 lead over Iran.Pakistani team comprises Aqeel Khan, Aisam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali Akbar and Abid Mushtaq. Rashid Malik was the captain.