LAHORE – The training camp of the Pakistan’s Fed Cup team concluded here on Wednesday with the country’s top player Usnha Suhail winning all her trial-cum-fitness test matches under the supervision of former Davis Cupper Rashid Malik and non playing captain Nausheen Ehtisham.
Pakistan team comprising Ushna, Sara Mahboob, Saba Aziz and Sara Mansoor will feature in the Fed Cup in Bangkok from January 31 to February 5. Pakistan is participating the event after a gap of 12 years. “The credit for Pakistan’s participation goes to PTF’s new president Kaleem Imam,” said Malik.
“I must also thank Chaudary Asghar, Rao Iftikhar and Khwaja Mohammad Bakhsh for their support and coordination during this two-week long camp.” Usnha, after her win over Saba Aziz 6-4, 6-3, faced Sara Mahboob in her final test. Sara herself had just recovered from illness. Usnha, after three continuous days of practice, won the opening set of the match and the coach threw in the towel for Sara to keep her away from any injury before the important assignment. The team will now assemble at Islamabad on January 28 to leave for Bangkok.
US without Venus: American women will have a tough time in their first-round Fed Cup matchup, US captain Mary Joe Fernandez said Tuesday in announcing a lineup for the tie at Belgium that lacks Venus Williams. “We will have our work cut out for us,” Fernandez said of facing a Belgian side expected to include US Open champion Kim Clijsters and veteran Justine Henin.
