ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's pride Davis cupper hailing from Wapda kept country's flag high by upsetting number 1 seed and ITA 21st ranked Andy Beatles from Boise State University in straight sets 6/4 and 6/1 to book a place in the 2013 USTA/ITA Mountain Regional singles Championship match at Darling Tennis Center Las Vegas Nevada.
Samir started the semifinal as underdog, but settled down in the match with utmost ease and never allowed vastly experienced and superior ranked Beatles any chance to play his natural aggressive game.
Samir won the first set after some tough resistance shown by Beatles He managed to get a break in the 9th game and then went on to hold his serve to take the first set 6/4.
Samir was at the top of his game in the second set, just allowing Beatles to take one game and wrapped up the set 6/1 to take the semifinal with utmost ease and comfort. Samir will face Henry Craig of University of Denver; the winner would get direct entry to main draw of prestigious NCAA Championship at Flushing Meadows New York starting from next month.
While sharing his views exclusively with The Nation on Sunday associate head coach Bart Scott said: "Sam played a very solid match from the first point to the last against one of the best players in college tennis. He's into the final for second year in a row and will carry in some key experience into the final. His opponent is young and hungry and Sammy will have to be ready for a tough match."
While sharing his views head coach Alan Dils said: "Sam's physical fitness and mental strength was a big key to victory. He'll need to be ready for a fight and hopefully the final should be an exciting match."
While sharing his views former national coach and Davis Cup captain Rashid Malik, who also coached Samir, lauded his performance and praised the unprivileged youngster who with little international exposure, producing exceptional results and bringing laurels to country.