Contest shifted to Hong Kong over security concerns
Tennis newsPakistan Tennis suffered yet another setback on Friday when the International Tennis Federation ( ITF ) moved the countrys Davis Cup tie against Hong Kong from Lahore because of security fears. The ITF informed the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) that the Davis Cup Group II match to be played March 5-7, 2010 has been relocated to Hong Kong.
This is the third time in a year that Pakistan has lost its hosting rights of a Davis Cup match because of security apprehensions. Pakistans Davis Cup opener early in 2009 was shifted to Muscat from Lahore while the next rounds match against the Philippines was moved to Manila. Pakistan won the match against Oman but went on to lose the tie in Manila. Pakistans coaches blamed the shifting of the tie from Lahore to Manila as the major reason behind the loss, saying that their team could have easily beaten the Philippines on grass at home.
This year, the PTF was hoping that the ITF chiefs would allow it to host the match against Hong Kong in Lahore. However, in spite of PTFs repeated requests the decision went against Pakistan. The PTF has received a letter from the ITF confirming the decision of the Davis Cup shifting to Hong Kong. The Davis Cup committee decided that as per Davis Cup Regulation 27 (e), Pakistan will lose choice of ground for this tie. The Davis Cup committee further decided that the tie will be held in Hong Kong China from March 5-7, 2010, a PTF media statement said Friday. However next two times if Pakistan meet Hong Kong China in a Davis Cup tie on a home and away basis, choice of ground will be remain with Pakistan, the statement added. Published by HT Syndication with permission from Daily Times. For more information on news feed please contact Sarabjit Jagirdar at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com
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