The Hindu : Sport : Pakistan a one-man team: Leander Paes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 25, 2006

Sport

Sport

Pakistan a one-man team: Leander Paes

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: "Pakistan is a one-man team. There is no reason why Rohan Bopanna, Prakash Amritraj or I can't handle Aisam Qureshi, who I learn is the main player against us and just back after a layoff," said the Indian Davis Cup captain, Leander Paes, after inspecting the newly-laid Brabourne stadium grass court here on Friday.

India will play Pakistan in the Asia-Oceania Group I Davis Cup first round relegation play-off at the Brabourne stadium from April 7-9.

"Rohan has a good serve and volley, Prakash serves well and has got good transition and I have played Wimbledon," said Paes, adding that Prakash's recent win over Aqeel Khan, the second Pakistan singles player, puts the home team in a better frame of mind.

One-time partners

Rohan Bopanna's partnership with Aisam Qureshi on the men's circuit is a unique friendship. The two one-time doubles partners may clash in the singles. "I teamed up with him because I thought his game is suited to mine. We played and toured together and even won a doubles event in the U.S.," said Bopanna about the bond beyond boundaries between two professionals.

Qureshi is a familiar name on the ITF circuit, especially in India where the Pakistani has a formidable reputation in singles and doubles. Meanwhile, Vishaal Uppal has been roped in by Paes as sparring partner.

Mahesh Bhupathi, expected to team up with Leander in the doubles, felt it was only a matter of time before Bopanna and Amritraj moved up to the next level. "All they need are the right breaks," he said.

Paes is clear about the preparations for the tie, despite the gulf in rankings between Indian and Pakistani players. Rohan is ranked 232, followed by Prakash at 235. Qureshi's current ranking, as per ATP list, is way behind at 412 (though his career-high was 206 in 2004).

Paes, confident yet cautious, said, "At no stage are we taking the match lightly. That is why we have assembled here two weeks in advance, getting used to weather and court conditions in Mumbai. I need to work on my fitness, so have been working with Uppal at the MSLTA. Rohan and Prakash will join the team after the Abu Dhabi event, Mahesh needs to go home for work and will be back in time when the whole team assembles," said the Indian captain.

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