ISLAMABAD: Pakistan have progressed to the final round of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group II after withdrawal of Hong Kong from the tie, which was scheduled to take place in Islamabad from April 7, citing security concerns. As a result, Pakistan will face either Thailand or Philippines in September. Hong Kong were enjoying a good run in the tournament, having defeated fourth seeds Vietnam 3-2 in February. However, they appealed to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) that they would not visit Pakistan due to security concerns. The ITF, in an official statement, declined Hong Kong’s request and maintained their view that all security measures were in place for the tie to take place in Pakistan. “The ITF regrets and respectfully disagrees with the decision of Hong Kong, China to default its upcoming Davis Cup tie against Pakistan,” said the ITF in a statement. “The ITF takes the security of all players, team personnel, officials and spectators very seriously. We are entirely confident in the security risk management procedures we have in place.” The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) had built grass courts especially for this game and are therefore understandably disappointed with Hong Kong’s decision. “We definitely wanted Hong Kong to come and compete here,” PTF secretary Khalid Rehmani said. “It is shocking for us that they wouldn’t come because we have successfully held the first round tie, but we are also glad that the ITF supported us and stood by their decision.” The ITF further added that “as a result of Hong Kong, China’s default, the case now goes to the Internal Adjudication Panel (IAP) for further consideration to determine whether a breach has been committed. The IAP will decide any sanctions to be assessed against Hong Kong, China according to the regulations of the 2017 competition.” Rehmani believes Pakistan can successfully continue to hold ties in the country. “When Iran came, they really wanted to go out and see Islamabad, but they couldn’t because of the security, however they were eager to come, they were happy to be here,” he said. “We’ve always welcomed the foreign players and teams to play in Pakistan.”