Paes-Bhupathi enter final

The Indians began well to lead 4-1 in the first set but then dropped their serves twice to surrender the advantage. However, a break in the 11th game saw the Indians serve out the set at 7-5.

The Indians were broken in the sixth game to trail 2-4 in the second set to trail 2-4 and eventually lost the set 3-6.

In the decider, the Indians were taken to deucein every service game. Games went with serves till 6-6 and in the tie-breaker, the Indians began serving better. They won 8-6 and sealed a well-deserved win.

Already assured of 307 points and about US 80,000 the Indian pair stands to gain a total of 436 points including all bonuses and 152,000 if they win the final. More significantly they will climb to No 2 on the eve of the year8217;s second Grand Slam, the French Open.

Meanwhile Bhupathi is now at a career-high No 5 in individual rankings, while Paes is likely to go up to No 6, also his best ever. In the 13 finals 8212; including Tour events and Challengers 8212; they have contested, Paes and Bhupathi have won 12 and the only loss was to Jonathan Stark and Rick Leach at World Doubles championships final at Hartford late last year.

Earlier in the quarters, they did not have any problem in beating Gustavo Kuerten and Andrew Kratzmann 6-4, 6-4.