Qureshi helps Pakistan win second leg

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November 16, 2007 17:31 IST

Aisam-ul Haq Qureshi showed great form to score a comfortable straight sets victory over Ashutosh Singh as hosts Pakistan levelled the tennis series against India in Islamabad on Friday.

Aisam's 6-3, 6-3 victory over Ashutosh came after Indian captain Vivek Shokeen beat Aqeel Khan in a hard-fought encounter to give the visitors a sniff of victory in the two-leg series.

Shokeen scored a 6-7 (7-4), 6-4, 6-3 victory over Aqeel before Aisam dashed India's hopes of pocketing the series.

In the doubles on Thursday, Aisam and Aqeel got the better of Shokeen and Singh 7-5, 7-6 (7-3).

India won the first leg of the series in Lahore 2-1.

Aisam, undefeated in his two singles matches, said the series was good exposure for him.

"But we definitely need to do more for tennis in Pakistan. Our future appears bleak after myself and Aqeel. Former players should be brought forward and asked to search new talent because tennis is a growing sport in this country," he said.

Shokeen classified Aisam and Aqeel as two of the best players produced by Pakistan but said India still had a big edge because of their better-organised tennis structure.

"Aisam is improving everyday and he was in fine form in this series which is a good idea to promote tennis in the subcontinent," Shokeen said.

Last year India hosted the series and won it.

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