Pakistan’s under-12 tennis team secured a significant victory over Thailand in the Asian Under-12 Tennis Championship, advancing to the knockout round. The Pakistani players demonstrated resilience and determination to overcome the Thai team 2-1 in a match that saw mixed performances in the singles but a crucial triumph in the doubles match.
A Tough Start: Singles Matches
The day began with Pakistan’s Rashid Ali facing Thailand’s Poonapat Namanwankul in the first singles. Rashid struggled against the Thai player, losing the match in straight sets, 1-6, 3-6, and 6-7. Poonapat, playing with excellent technique and precision, managed to dominate the game from the start, and despite Rashid’s efforts, he couldn’t gain the upper hand.
In the second singles, Pakistan’s Shayan Afridi took on Shah Luvamoran Panch. Like his teammate, Shayan faced difficulty against his opponent, losing in straight sets as well, 1-6, 3-6. This defeat placed Pakistan in a challenging position, as they now needed to win the doubles match to stay in contention for the knockout rounds.
Turning the Tide: Doubles Match
The crucial moment came in the doubles match, where the Pakistani pair needed a win to keep their hopes alive. Displaying remarkable coordination and team spirit, the Pakistani duo managed to defeat the Thai pair in a tight contest, winning 4-6 and 3-6. The victory in the doubles match not only leveled the tie but also secured Pakistan’s overall win in the contest, with a final score of 2-1.
This doubles win was pivotal in propelling Pakistan into the next stage of the competition.
Previous Victory Against Saudi Arabia
Pakistan’s journey to the knockout stage was strengthened by their earlier win against Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the tournament. The victory over Saudi Arabia had already given the team a much-needed confidence boost going into the Thailand match. Now, with two victories under their belt, Pakistan has secured its place in the knockout round.
Path to the Quarter-Finals
With this victory, Pakistan has advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament. Their opponent in the knockout round will be determined after the completion of other matches in the tournament. The young Pakistani team, led by promising players like Rashid Ali and Shayan Afridi, will now look to build on their momentum and continue their winning streak in the knockout phase.
A Bright Future for Pakistan’s Young Tennis Players
Pakistan’s performance in the Asian Under-12 Tennis Championship has been impressive so far, with strong displays of talent and potential from the young players. Despite initial setbacks in the singles matches, the team’s ability to bounce back and secure a win in the doubles match showcases their determination and teamwork. As they move forward in the tournament, there is optimism that Pakistan’s under-12 team can achieve even greater success in the coming rounds. The quarter-final match will be a test of their skills and nerves, but with the form they’ve shown, the future looks promising for Pakistan in this championship.
