SPORT DAVIS LD IND 2

416-ranked Bopanna, who has earned a nick-name 'Bofors'
for his booming serve, played well in the second reverse
singles against a player who is ranked as high as 106.
Bopanna served well, volleyed brilliantly and was good at
the net in the one hour 20 minutes contest.

He squandered a set point in the opening set before
sealing it in the tie- breaker, where he was trailing 0-3 at
one stage.
He put up a much better show in the second set and broke
Gabashvili in the fifth game to take decisive lead.
Earlier, coming into the first reverse singles in a
pressure-cooker situation, Somdev learnt a good tennis lesson
from a superior player.
It was first meeting between Somdev and Youzhny and the
class difference between the two players was glaring. The
Russian conceded just six games in the lop-sided match that
lasted one hour and 55 minutes.
Somdev put up a good fight in the third set but Youzhny
was too good for him.
Youzhny showed why he is top-15 player as he never let
Somdev play his style of game from the baseline. He in fact
took advantage of it. Somdev had no answer to Youzhny's solid
ground-strokes and smart drop volleys.
The Russian attacked Somdev's weak second serve and set
up and took points at will, executing a perfect gameplan.
In no time Somdev was down by two breaks -- third and
fifth games -- and the Russian comfortably placed with a 5-2
lead. Youzhny served out the first set with a drop volley in
just 31 minutes. More PTI AT
MYR


The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this
message are intended for the exclusive
use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged
information. If you are not the intended
recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please
notify the sender immediately and destroy
all copies of this message and any attachments contained in it.



Delete & Prev | Delete & Next