Pakistan secure 2-1 victory over Thailand

FAISALABAD: Pakistan’s 12-and-under tennis team secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Thailand in the 2024 Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) 12 & Under Team Competition Final on Tuesday, in Shymkent, Kazakhstan ensuring their place in the quarterfinals.

The victory followed their earlier triumph over Saudi Arabia, allowing them to top Group D. The encounter began with a closely contested singles match, where Thailand’s Punnapat Nimnuankul edged out Pakistan’s Rashid Ali in a three-set thriller.

Despite Ali’s comeback in the second set, Nimnuankul claimed the win with a 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4) result. Pakistan found their footing in the second singles match, as Muhammad Shayan Afridi delivered a commanding performance against Thailand’s Shaah Laomornpanich. Afridi dominated the match, securing a straight-sets victory with a 6-1, 6-3 scoreline, levelling the tie at 1-1.

With everything to play for, the deciding doubles match saw Rashid Ali and Afridi team up for Pakistan. The duo displayed excellent coordination and resilience to overcome Nimnuankul and Laomornpanich 6-4, 6-3, sealing a 2-1 overall win for Pakistan. Having topped Group D, Pakistan are now among the top eight teams in the competition.