Leander chooses Bhupathi’s ex-partner

The ‘Indian Express’, as the legendary pairing of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi was known, today gets back on the rails only during a Davis Cup or before an Olympic or Asian Games. At the Chennai Open, one will see Paes teaming up with one of Bhupathi’s long-time partners as he seeks to better his semi-final showing last year.

A lot has been made of the duo’s souring relationship, but they have been professional enough to come together when the country needed them. But, when it comes to playing on the ATP Tour, and they are on opposing sides, there is no compromise.

That is what sees Paes set to pair up with Czech Martin Damm for the Chennai Open which will be held from January 2 to 8. Damm was Bhupathi’s partner this year and the duo reached the semi-finals in Moscow and Washington. While Bhupathi has chosen to play with South African Wesley Moody next year, following Todd Woodbridge’s retirement, Paes will continue with Serbian Nenad Zimonjic.

It has been a good year for Paes as he won three titles, including two Super Nine events with Zimonjic, but the loss in the Shanghai Masters Cup final would still be hurting the Indian.