The South Asian heavyweights Pakistan were no match for China as the latter cruised to a 5-0 whitewash victory in the Group I tie of the Asia Oceania zone held in Colombo.
China who is currently placed in the 27th spot in the Davis Cup overall rankings outplayed the new entrant to Group I, Pakistan who is 12 ranks below at 39. Pakistan, despite making their way up to the top tier by defeating Thailand, will now need to play a relegation tie that will decide whether they would continue to be in the first division or not.
The first day saw Chinese players Ze Zhang and Di Wu outplay Aqeel Khan and Yasir Khan in the 1st and 2nd singles. The second day was crucial for the Pakistan team as their progress in the draw depended on their win in the doubles encounter. Pakistan who called back their senior most players to play the tie didn’t seem to have enough talent in store to move forward for a win. Aqeel Khan and Aisam Qureshi lost out to Yan Bai and Mao-Xi Gong 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (4).
The Chinese once again dominated the final two games but a win for Pakistan in one of them would have been a consolation for efforts throughout the draw. 21-year-old Muhammed Abid lost to Di Wu 1-6, 6-0 and Yasir Khan lost out in his returning single to Ze Zhang 3-6, 0-6.
India however progressed on to the second round of the Group I tie and will face South Korea in order to decide who would make it through to the top tier in the Davis Cup.
