Nirupama shines in doubles

DUBAI, April 9: Nirupama Vaidyanathan, pairing with Petra Rampre of Slovenia, won the first doubles encounter in straight sets putting behind her shock defeat in the singles in the 25,000 Al Habtoor women8217;s tennis challenge.

The duo, enjoying a first-round bye, beat K Freye and H Thoms both from Germany 6-4, 6-4, in a closely fought match at the Metropolitan Resort and Beach Club here yesterday. The 173rd ranked Nirupama and her doubles scratch partner will meet P Gaspar and L Vermuza in the third round.