Pakistan pip Thailand for Promotion to Group I
Thailand’s late fight-back was finally stopped by host Pakistan who won their Davis Cup Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group II final round 3-2 for a promotion to Group I next year.
After trailing 2-1 from two reversed singles and doubles rubbers, Thailand levelled the tie when Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul won a marathon battle over Aisam Qureshi 7-5 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-3) at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad.
However, 37-year-old Aqeel Khan won the deciding rubber by outlasting Kittipong Wachiramanowong 6-4 6-3 3-6 2-6 6-2.
Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul
Unfamiliarity on the grass surface was the main problem for the Thailand’s loss as they lost two points from the singles on Friday before twin Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana kept the Thai hopes alive in the Saturday’s doubles.
Thailand will remain in Group II in 2018 while Pakistan have already progressed to Group I.
