ISLAMABAD: Pakistan held on to their place in Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone Group 1 but lost their second round tie to Uzbekistan 4-1 here on Saturday. The hosts had a better day one as Aqeel Khan levelled the tie to 1-1 after the singles rubbers. Aqeel beat Sanjar Fayziev 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 giving Pakistan their only win in the group. Both Aqeel and Aisamul Haq Qureshi lost their doubles tie to world number 83 Denis Istomin and Jurabek Karimov 6-2, 6-4 respectively on day two as Uzbekistan lead 2-1 after the first three rubbers. Under pressure, Aqeel lost to Istomin in reverse singles rubber, which the Uzbek won 6-1, 6-3. Muzammil Murtaza then lost the last match 6-3, 6-1 to Khumoyun Sultanov. “The difference between our team and Uzbekistan was Istomin, definitely,” Aqeel said. “It was a tough tie. Istomin really brought his best game and we did all we could. Unfortunately Aisam was also not feeling well but we gave it our best shot.” Pakistan will stay in Group 1; however, from next year, the team will be playing the away ties on different courts which may be a challenge. “We are still in Group 1, that’s good, but now with all the ties we’ve played at home, it will be our turn to play the away ties, and that is something to think about, in fact the competition is getting tougher each year,” said Aqeel. This was Pakistan’s third meeting with the Uzbekistan after a gap of 19 years and Uzbekistan won the previous two ties as well. Pakistan defeated South Korea 4-0 in the round one tie in February and were promoted to Group 1 after winning their Group II final in September. Uzbekistan will be playing top seeds India in the next round. Published in Daily Times, April 8th 2018.