Pakistan shock Thailand in doubles to go 2-1 up in Davis Cup
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

LAHORE: Unheralded Pakistan stunned Thailand's top doubles pairing -- including Asia's number one Paradorn Srichaphan -- on Saturday to go 2-1 up in their Davis Cup tennis tie.

Aisamul Haq and Aqeel Khan served with blistering pace to beat Paradorn and Danai Udomchoke 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) in two hours and 45 minutes in the Asia-Oceania Zone Group I first round tie.

"I am quite comfortable playing doubles with Aqeel and we have very good understanding," said Haq.

"We were not under pressure at all and were confident to win this crucial match as the grass court suits us more than Thai players," he added.

Twin brothers Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana were due to play the doubles but Thailand made a last-minute change.

"Probably they (twin brothers) didn't play because they are not good on grass," said Haq, who was injected with painkillers before beating Danai in the opening singles on Friday.

Haq said he still felt the pain in his legs, but was ready to face Paradorn in the reverse singles Sunday.

"It still hurts me in the legs, but I am confident to do well against Paradorn tomorrow," he said.

Despite losing the doubles, Paradorn sounded a warning to Pakistan for Sunday's reverse singles.

"We are not disappointed at all after losing today. I am not used to playing doubles with Udomchoke and probably that's why they put us under pressure," he said.

"I am confident to play much better against Aisam tomorrow," he added. In the other reverse singles, Khan, who was beaten by Paradorn in the singles on Friday, will take on Danai.●