ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) will host two back-to-back International Tennis Federation (ITF) Futures Men’s Professional Circuit Tournaments before the end of the ongoing year. “We will host these events in November-December this year,” PTF president Salim Saifullah said. He added each event would carry a prize purse of $15,000. “The ITF has agreed to provide us $5,000 for each of the events, while the rest of the amount will be borne by the PTF,” he informed. Saifullah said the ITF manager training centres and events, Frank Couraud, came Pakistan on a five-day visit to discuss tennis development. “Frank’s visit will pave the way for high-profile ITF officials to travel to Pakistan. I will also invite ITF president to witness Davis Cup tie’s final against Thailand in September.” He said Pakistan successfully hosted Davis Cup tie against Iran after a gap of 12 years, which he said was a turning point for promotion of tennis in the country. “The way we conducted Davis Cup tie against Iran has showed the world that we are a sports loving nation and know how to respect international stars,” he maintained. He said unfortunately Hong Kong decided against playing in Pakistan, otherwise people would have a lot of international activity here. He added that Pakistan was fully prepared to host Thailand for Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II final in September. “Hosting of Thailand will further enhance the credentials of Pakistan to hold ITF events,” he concluded. Published in Daily Times, August 1st , 2017.