Paes draws qualifier

Paes managed to sneak into the main draw after he improved his ATP world rankings to 99 following his title triumphs in two challengers 8212; Lucknow and New Delhi.

The India number one had slipped to 105, and had he continued hovering there, he would have had to go through a Wimbledon qualifying tournament.

The doubles specialist Paes will have to wait till Saturday to know whom he faces in the opening round of the All England championships.

Paes was knocked out in the first round here last year.

Paes8217; doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi, world number 245, is playing in the traditional qualifying tournament at Roehampton and has already won the first round, beating Ivo Heuberger 6-2, 6-2. India8217;s top woman player Nirupama Vaidyanathan is also in action at the qualifying event and was scheduled to play Nadejda Petrova Rus, ranked 133 this afternoon.

Doubles draw: Men: 1. M Bhupathi Ind/L Paes Ind; 2. T A Woodbridge Aus/M Woodforde Aus; 3. J Bjorkman Swe/P Rafter Aus; 4. W Black Zim/S Stolle Aus; 5. O Delaitre Fra/F Santoro Fra; 6. M Knowles Bah/D Nestor Can; 7. E Ferreira Rsa/R Leach US; 8. P Haarhuis Ned/J Palmer US; 9. S Lareau Can/A O8217;Brien US; 10. D. Adams Rsa/J de Jager RSA; 11. M Damm Cze/C Suk Cze; 12. W. Arthurs Aus/A Kratzmann Aus; 13. N Kulti Swe/M Tillstrom Swe; 14. D Prinosil Ger/D Vacek Cze; 15. P Norval Rsa/K Ullyett RSA; 16 P Galbraith US/J Gimelstob US.