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Thursday, Feb 07, 2008
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Indian team gelling well

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Indian team members made a happy picture. They may have assembled from different parts of the country and have differences of opinion, but when it comes to pulling together in Davis Cup, they are second to none.

In fact, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were so relaxed around each other that the cameras were happy to capture them so at ease.

Addressing the media on the eve of the draw, Paes said his team had overcome obstacles like Prakash Amritraj’s ill health and was well prepared to tackle whatever the Uzbeks may throw at them on grass at the R.K. Khanna Stadium here from February 8 to 10.

“We are here to do our job and we are ready,” he said.

The non-playing captain said he was particularly pleased to welcome Bhupathi back in the squad after the ten-time Grand Slam champion had skipped the competition last year. He said his erstwhile doubles partner’s excellent form at the Australian Open, that saw him reach the mixed doubles final and the doubles semifinals, augured well for the team.

“I am sure Mahesh will carry the team forward,” Paes said.

“I am happy to be back and am looking forward to a good weekend,” said Bhupathi.

No pressure

The man in focus, Rohan Bopanna, expected to shoulder the responsibility in singles and the doubles, said he did not feel any pressure and was ready to play his game.

“In the circuit, we play five days in a row — at times two matches in a day in singles and doubles. It should not be that difficult to be ready for all three days,” said Bopanna.

Though the focus may have shifted away from him, Prakash Amritraj, the best ranked singles player in the team, said that he was regaining health and feeling confident about executing his part well.

With Somdev Dev Varman providing a viable option, though he may have only a limited experience on grass, Paes said that he had already made up his mind about who would take on the Uzbeks.

However, he stressed that he would have further discussions before announcing the team at the draw that is scheduled to be made by the Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, on Thursday.

The Uzbeks spoke mainly through their spearhead, Denis Istomin. They seemed equally relaxed and said they would prove their mettle on the court.

“Our preparation is ok and we are ready to play. We will try our best to win,” said Istomin.

The Uzbeks were still in limbo over procuring grass court shoes for Farrukh Dustov and Vaja Uzakov.

“We expect the shoes to arrive tomorrow,” said Dustov while Istomin said that he was happy with the quality of his grass court shoes.

“We are playing well in practice. We don’t know how we are going to perform on the match court,” said Istomin, who is expected to feature on all three days.

“Since Leander is not playing, we have a chance in doubles also,” said Istomin.

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