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 8212; at the Davis Cup tie in the Capital 8212; 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 Uzbekistan8217;s Denis Istomin and Farrukh Dustov at the RK Khanna stadium on Saturday. India go into Sunday8217;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 player8217;s ability. With rules allowing for a change in player upto 10 minutes before the fifth rubber, it depends on Bopanna8217;s show in his reverse singles match.

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 8212; he pumped in seven aces 8212; and Bhupathi anchored the show well. Bhupathi8217;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. India8217;s only chance to break service in the second set was almost lost by a long Bopanna pass. Bhupathi8217;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. 8220;Yeah!8221; boomed Bhupathi8217;s voice as he punched his fist in the air.

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The end was near for Uzbekistan, and after one hour 35 minutes of play, what was better than watching Bopanna8217;s service and generous aces crushing opposition hopes. 8220;I take a lot of confidence going into tomorrow8217;s game. We wrapped the doubles quickly and conserved a lot of energy,8221; said Bopanna.

The only positive Istomin took from the match was having watched Bopanna in action. 8220;Now that I8217;ve seen him play, I know what to expect,8221; he solemnly vowed.