We can still win the tie: Paes

Chennai: India face an uphill task to win both the reverse singles tomorrow but Leander Paes on Saturday posed faith in Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna for a magical win in the World Group play-off against Brazil.

Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi brought India back in the tie by winning the doubles rubber against Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares on Saturday. Paes, who is now into the 21st year in Davis Cup, said Somdev has it in him to upset world number 27 Thomaz Bellucci. “We need to win both the singles. It is tough but anything is possible in Davis Cup. Somdev has the capability to weave a win for us in the first match as Thomaz Bellucci is vulnerable like we saw in the fifth set yesterday. “But, Thomaz has the experience behind him. If we can get there, then we could win the tie,” Paes said after recording 24th consecutive win in Davis Cup along with Bhupathi. Asked about the win today, Paes said it was satisfying as it kept India’s chances alive.“We have won many ties together. I am happy that we have managed to keep the tie alive. This is our 24th consecutive win in Davis Cup. We did not serve well in the second but in third we got back our rhythm and finished the match in quick time,” he said. They play with different partners on the tour after parting ways but Bhupathi said chemistry is not a problem even today. “We have played like this in the past. We have a set style since 1997 and we still play to the same pattern even today. It is a matter getting your rhythm and it does not matter who is on the other side of the court,” Bhupathi said. Soares rued the chances they missed in the second set in which the Indian pair saved four set points. “It was a close set playing against two strong players. We had few set points before the tie break. We were up 4-1 but missed some close points here and there. At this stage also, Bhupathi served and volleyed well to finish the tie break,” Soares said.Melo said the Indians turned it around in just a minute. “The Indian pair played well and their serves and returns had lot of power. In the second set we did play better than them. We had more chances but they managed to come back before winning it. “From 4-1 lead in the tie break, we lost two points in a row and then the game changed, perhaps in a minute or so. In such situations in a big match especially when you are playing against two best stars, it happens. But they played solid in the third game and our scope was limited,” he said. India’s non-playing captain S P Misra, “Paes and Bhupathi played well today and brought back some life in the tie. Somdev is capable to beating anyone on his day. Rohan played well yesterday and he will do the same tomorrow.” PTI