India faces tough challenge in tennis series asgainst Pak

New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) Women and mixed doubles events have been dropped from the second India-Pakistan tennis series to be held at Lahore from tomorrow.

Intrestingly, the events have been dropped on the request of the All India Tennis Association (AITA)because of the political situation in Pakistan.

According to AITA Director and team manager Amarbir Singh, '' the AITA was keen to have women participation in the series but because of the political situation there we requested Pakistan Federation not to have women event this year.'' The series will be played on the basis of the old format- two singles and a doubles.

Pakistan's challenge is going to be formidable as it will be led by their best player Aisam-ul Haq Qureshi, who hogged the limelight by qualifying and then making the second round of the Wimbledon this year.

The Indian challenge will be spearheaded by national champion Ashutosh Singh, who is already in Lahore having made it to the final of the ITF grass court event in here on Saturday.

As Aditya Madkekar has still not fully recovered,Vivek Shokeen and former champion Sunil Kumar Sipayea will complete the Indian team.

Ashutosh and Shokeen will form the doubles pair. They won the doubles title together in Lahore last week.

UNI