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Journalism of Courage
If not quite summer, at least the sunshine: the Kingfisher Airlines Open was left to contend with another grim day as Mahesh Bhupathi pulled out of the doubles draw of his own tournament, citing back trouble.
The defending champion in doubles here had been awkward in his gait over the last few days and on Thursday, officially opted to skip the competition after the pain while walking persisted.
8220;There8217;s trouble in my joints in the back and its been bothering me for the last 3-4 days8230; I was hoping it8217;d get better, but it hasn8217;t,8221; Bhupathi, who was scheduled to play alongside Frenchman Fabrice Santoro, explained.
8220;I8217;m disappointed not only for the points I8217;m expected to defend, but also because it was important to my tournament. But looks like it8217;s a season of injuries,8221; he added. Bhupathi has been advised ten-days further rest, but will play a few events the year-end.
He will combine with current doubles No 3 Bahamas8217; Mark Knowles for the indoor season of Madrid, Basel and Paris later this year, and said he was hoping that the duo would combine well going into the next season.
As a result of the pullout, Vivek Shokeen and Purav Raja managed an entry into the main draw. German Nicolas Kiefer also opted out of doubles with an upset stomach.
