Bopanna-Bhupathi push India ahead

Leander Paes had mentioned that he had enough ammunition in his war chest to get a measure of the Uzbeks.

Leander Paes had mentioned that he had enough ammunition in his war chest to get a measure of the Uzbeks. To gamble on a strategy — at the Davis Cup tie in the Capital — was a risk India was willing to take on home turf. At the end, it worked quite like magic.

India fielded their best men, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna, who, true to expectation, pulled off a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin and Farrukh Dustov at the RK Khanna stadium on Saturday. India go into Sunday’s play with a 2-1 advantage.

On the final day, in-form Bopanna will take on Denis Istomin, who was a sorry shadow of himself from the previous day. Prakash Amritraj might just see the light of day at the Davis Cup with non-playing captain Paes certifying his fitness and allaying fears that faith has been lost in the controversy-embroiled player’s ability. With rules allowing for a change in player upto 10 minutes before the fifth rubber, it depends on Bopanna’s show in his reverse singles match.

Story continues below this ad

But Bopanna should not have too much trouble against Istomin if the Uzbek continues to play the way he did on Saturday. Istomin was the chink in Uzbek, armour while partner Dustov put up an improved performance.

Bhupathi and Bopanna exploited this weak link and played close to the nets with the knowledge that their rivals were bad volleyers. Istomin was unable to hold serve in the first and last game of the first set, and was a bumbling wreck all through, unable to keep his footing on grass.

Bopanna lost few points on serve — he pumped in seven aces — and Bhupathi anchored the show well. Bhupathi’s deft court craft, his backhand passes, and ball placements were not only inspirational for Bopanna, they drove the crowd to hysterics.

At 4-3 in the second set, they even witnessed vintage Bhupathi. India’s only chance to break service in the second set was almost lost by a long Bopanna pass. Bhupathi’s prowess on court was driven into the rival camp with a quiet-as-a-cat backhand pass that had Istomin throwing his racquet in disgust. “Yeah!” boomed Bhupathi’s voice as he punched his fist in the air.

Story continues below this ad

The end was near for Uzbekistan, and after one hour 35 minutes of play, what was better than watching Bopanna’s service and generous aces crushing opposition hopes. “I take a lot of confidence going into tomorrow’s game. We wrapped the doubles quickly and conserved a lot of energy,” said Bopanna.

The only positive Istomin took from the match was having watched Bopanna in action. “Now that I’ve seen him play, I know what to expect,” he solemnly vowed.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

India8 hr ago

Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

View all shorts

Live Blog