Monaco, Apr 21: India's Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi of Belarus lifted the Monte Carlo Masters series doubles title beating the French pair of Michael Llodra and Fabrice Santoro in the final here yesterday.
Bhupathi, 28, and 25-year-old Mirnyi, the third seeds, saw off Australian Open doubles champions Llodra and Santoro 6-4 3-6 7-6 (8/6) in an entertaining encounter which deserved to attract more than the handful of spectators who braved the cold air swirling around the centre court. Bhupathi, who won a host of titles with compatriot Leander Paes, including the Roland Garros and Wimbledon doubles crowns in 1999, said he was delighted with his latest success and believes the partnership he has forged with Mirnyi can prove similarly fruitful. "We had a little more luck at the end. We've had a great run. Hopefully we can go all the way at Roland Garros. It was a lot of fun to play a good match like this."


Bureau Report