Journalism of Courage
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This is an archive article published on February 6, 2004
Mr Davis Cup to go double saddle in NZ
Total responsibility seemed to be the keyword in Leander8217;s plan as he named himself for the singles along with the doubles tie on the e...
Written by MICKY AIGNER
Pune | February 6, 2004 12:00 AM IST
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2 min read
Total responsibility seemed to be the keyword in Leander8217;s plan as he named himself for the singles along with the doubles tie on the eve of the Asia-Oceania encounter begining Friday. As Leander chose to stay away from the media, his father Dr Vece Paes, from Invercargill, confirmed the same. 8216;8216;The decision was sudden,8217;8217; was how Dr Paes put it to The Indian Express when contacted.
Paes, who has not played singles since the last time India played New Zealand at Kolkata in April 2003 against Mark Nielsen, is now going to shoulder the burden again. About his decision, Dr. Paes, who is also the physio of the team, explained that after Leander made his announcement, he said, 8216;8216;It8217;s high time that I forget the past. It8217;s the need of the hour.8217;8217;
The heartening aspect, as Dr Paes suggested, is that 8216;8216;Leander is eager to play. As skipper I guess Leander knew the rights and wrongs needed for a Davis Cup encounter quite well.8217;8217;
According to his father, Leander8217;s decision has been 8216;8216;appreciated by all particularly when India begin their campaign without regular singles players like Rohan Bopanna and Prakash Amritraj, both of whom are injured.8217;8217;
From the perspective of the hosts, Bruce Derlin, the captain, said that the news of Leander8217;s singles presence, is worrying. Over e-mail, Derlin acknowledged that 8216;8216;Leander is a quality Davis Cup player. He8217;ll be extremely difficult to beat no matter what his circumstances have been over the past. Paes is going to be the key to the tie and the first day will be crucial.8217;8217;
About the other singles 8212; where Harsh Mankad represents India, Derlin said with confidence: 8216;8216;I don8217;t believe the fast surface will suit Mankad compared to a slower surface. This could be in our favour.8217;8217;
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