Prakash-Aisam pair lose in first Rd;Aisam storms in singles pre-Q

Newport, Rhode Island, July 12 (UNI) Prakash Amritraj and his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul Haq Qureshi proved no match to Wesely Moodie of South Africa and Roko Karanusic of Croatia going down in straight sets to the top seeds in the first round of the doubles event at Campbell Hall of Fame Tennis Championships here.

The wild card Indo-Pak duo failed to cash in on the chances that came their way and lost to Moodie-Karanusic 0-6, 4-6 in 54 minutes.

Amritraj-Qureshi failed to convert two break points in the first set while their rivals broke them thrice.

They put up a brief resistance in the second set but ultimately succumbed to top seeds.

Meanwhile, Aisam who pulled off a big surprise defeating top seed American Mardy Fish in the first round, won a three-setter against Nathan Healy of Australia to adavance into the singles pre-quarterfinals.

Qureshi, who made it into the second round at Wimbledon, held his nerves and serve to win the match 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-4.

The Pakistani player takes on Dick Norman of Belgium in the next round.

Prakash Amritraj, meanwhile, will play his second round match against American wild card Scoville Jenkins. The US-based Indian defeated Serb Ilia Bozoljac 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in Round One.

UNI