JEDDAH, April 18: Pakistan’s tennis star, Aisamul Haq, cruised into the final of the singles event of the Islamic Games, confirming another medal for his country, beating Sliman Saudi of Algeria in the semifinal 6-3, 7-6(5) at Taif on Sunday.
But later, Aqeel Khan of Pakistan lost to Kuwait No. 1, Al-Ghareeb, 7-6(8), 7-6(5), and failed to qualify for the final.
The final will be played on Tuesday.
Had Aqeel won, he would have played Aisam in the final, ensuring one gold and one silver for Pakistan.
The semifinals which were to start at 5pm (local time) were delayed for almost two hours due to torrential rains.
In the first set, Aisam led 1-0 when it again rained. The match was stopped for 15 minutes.
Aisam proved too good against the Algerian winning the set after breaking the serve in the 8th game to take 5-3 lead. Aisam then held his own to win the set.
But the story was different in the second set. Both contenders held their serves the set went to tie-breaker. The Algerian fought till 4-4. But eventually Aisam proved too good for him.
In the other semifinal, Aqeel and Ghareeb fought hard for almost two hours. But the Kuwaiti finally proved his supremacy. When Aqeel lost the first set every one in the Pakistan camp was expecting him to recover, in view of his track record. But Ghareeb managed to take Aqeel again into the tie-breaker in the second set and won.
Pakistan has also qualified for the team event finals where it will play Algeria for the gold medal. Pakistan is also expecting a medal in the doubles as Aisam and Aqeel have already qualified for the quarterfinals.
With all the three gold medals in tennis, Pakistan would come in at 7th position on the medals table.
Volleyball:
Pakistan’s chances for any medal in volleyball in the Islamic Games also ended when Algeria trounced them in quarterfinals tie 3-1 here on Sunday.
The win helped Algeria, the African champions, to move into the semifinals.
Algeria won 25-22, 37-35, 21-25, 25-22.
Pakistan, who had earlier showed glimpses of their talent by qualifying for the quarterfinals league failed to win one match from the remaining two, against Egypt on Saturday and now against Algeria, to make to the last four.
“Yes, we had a good chance but despite giving a good fight Egypt and Alergia beat us” Pakistan coach from China, Feng Lee said after the match.
“Our defence was week and faltered at crucial stages while the opponents had upper hand in smashing and that made the difference”, he said.
“Overall, I am satisfied with the performance of the boys but I was expecting victory and in that context I am a little disappointed”, he said.
Pakistan made a good start, taking 12-10 lead in the first set. But erratic blocking by the Pakistanis and fine attacking game by Algeria brought them to level the score, 15-15. Fighting for each point, both the teams made it to 18 all. Pakistan against took a slim lead of 20-18 but lost the opportunity as Algerians levelled at 21-21. Exhibiting powerful smashing, Algeria put up pressure on Pakistan to finally win the set.
A gruelling contest was witnessed in the second set. But poor blocking by Pakistan deprived them the chance of levelling the match.
Pakistan did not give up the chase and caught the Algerians at 12-all.
Amid long rallies, time-outs and protests both teams were neck-and-neck at 21-21 and again at 23-23 Algeria went ahead 24-23 and were at the brink to win the set when Sanaullah earned a crucial point to make it 24-all. From thereon both the teams struggled for ascendancy but eventually Algeria proved the better side to win the second set.
But Algeria showed complacency in the third set as Pakistan tried to stage a comeback. They led from the start grab the set reducing the margin 2-1. But there was no further success for Pakistan. Algeria won the fourth set after a contest.
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