Sanam is better choice on these courts for singles: Anand

India`s Davis Cup captain Anand Amritraj today defended his choice of Sanam Singh for the second singles, saying he was best-suited for the medium-slow surface in the tie against South Korea, starting on Friday.

Busan: India`s Davis Cup captain Anand Amritraj on Thursday defended his choice of Sanam Singh for the second singles, saying he was best-suited for the medium-slow surface in the tie against South Korea, starting on Friday.

Anand chose Sanam ahead of higher-ranked Saketh Myneni, who is placed 115 places above his diminutive compatriot at number 256. Myneni had played extremely well on his Davis Cup debut against Taipei, winning the doubles as well as the fifth rubber. In the absence of Yuki Bhambri, who missed out on action due to a foot injury, big-serving Myneni was expected to play the second singles."I decided on Sanam for the second singles because, though there is not much to choose between him and Saketh, the court here is medium slow which would suit Sanam better," Amritraj said after the draw ceremony. "More importantly, I need Saketh fresh for the doubles, which could be crucial," he added. Indians would start as favourites against the home side and the skipper wants his boys to justify the tag."Korea is a very tough team, but based on rankings, we are the favourites. We just have to prove it this weekend," the 60-year-old said on his second assignment with the team. Amritraj said surface is of the liking of his players."The court is medium slow as I mentioned and suits all our players just fine." The captain also said that Yuki`s absence would not make much of a difference to the outcome of the tie. "I would have loved to have had Yuki but he is injured. The next choice For me was Sanam. Hopefully it won`t make a difference in the final result," he said.