KARACHI: Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan still stand a chance to represent the country at the London Olympics through wildcard in case of any withdrawals in the men’s doubles format.
Nick Imison of ITF Communications told ‘The News’ on Wednesday that “Aisam Qureshi and Aqeel Khan were considered for an ITF Place by the ITF Olympic Committee, but unfortunately did not receive one on this occasion. The criteria for ITF Places include combined rankings, regional representation, and in the case of doubles, a maximum quota for the total number of players on site.”
He further said that in the case of doubles ITF Places, this might mean that two players already playing singles had to get priority over a pair who would only be playing doubles.
Yet, he added, “Aisam and Aqeel are still on an alternate list in case of any withdrawals.”
The final list of those who will be getting wildcard entries is to be published on June 28 (today).
On Tuesday, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced the full list of entries for the London 2012 Olympic Tennis Event at the All England Club, Wimbledon, in which forty-five (45) countries will compete.
It said, “Thirty-two teams will contest both the men’s and women’s doubles, with 24 direct acceptances and eight ITF Places in both events. Direct acceptances were based on the combined world rankings of each team on 11 June, with each player using the better of their singles and doubles world ranking. Any player ranked in the doubles Top 10 on 11 June was eligible for direct acceptance with a partner of any ranking.”
Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) was disappointed by the ITF’s decision. Arif Qureshi, Treasurer PTF, while talking to this scribe said the decision was quite disappointing because Aisam had more than 4000 points. Asked if PTF plans to request ITF for any review, he said there was no such chance. “It’s finished now till next Olympics,” he added.
Aisam’s doubles ranking is 12 while Aqeel Khan’s singles ranking is 1520.
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