Mumbai Open- The Final Wrap-Up
The Beginning Of A New Dream

Two days have passed after the country’s biggest Tennis Tournament, as it is described, is over. Then why I am writing here?

It’s a note to look back at what had happened over the last fortnight.

It’s a note to look at what we have got and what not.

It’s a note to look forward at a future that every Tennis Fan, especially an Indian one, wants to see shining brightly.

After Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata, it was Mumbai’s turn to host a Tennis Feast. Unlike these Cities and some other places like Pune, which have some Tennis culture, Mumbai the epicentre of Media and the Financial Capital of India has been on a backtrack. The reason may be because mainly cricket rules here. This was ruled out by the Indo-Pak Davis Cup tie and the City’s hidden passion for the game of Tennis came into light with recently concluded Kingfisher Airlines ATP Mumbai Open.

The tournament is a hit here. Of course, not as big hit as ICC Championship Trophy, still a hit one. No, don’t judge by the low crowds during the first few days. Whatever crowds we had were real Tennis-passionates. They came even though it was a week of Navaratri, and when ‘Dnadia’ was pulling huge masses, and even when it’s Ramadan going on. The fact shows that the City-mad-for-Cricket has some madness for Tennis too…

On court we had some great Tennis-Time. Though it was not so big an event like a Grand-slam or Masters, we had some big upsets- right from round one. Carlos Moya loosing to young Argentinean Juan Martin Del Portro, Rohan Bopanna and Mustafa Ghouse beating top seeds Alexander Peya and Bjorn Phau, Dimitry’s race to the Finals… all are just unforgetables.

There were some more moments to cherish for the Fans, the Organizers, the Players and all- most anticipated being the clash between two sensational pairs: Leander Paes – Aisam Qureshi and Mahesh Bhupathi- Mario Ancic. This match was on the same day when the Police statement on 7/11 Blasts in the city came and the Diplomatic desks in India and Pakistan set to fire. What appealed me most was the cheers the Cute-Qureshi from Pakistan got from the crowds (No mention- Girls…) whenever he played a good shot and that was a bit often. The same man from the neighbourhood had got huge applause during the Davis Cup tie at the venue. Surely, after Cricket and Hockey, it’s Tennis that is melting the ice- a sporting spirit of Mumbai that goes beyond the boundaries…

Another surprising moment of humility came on the rain-interrupted Monday when Doubles Final was shifted to the Court One and to avoid the further delay, Mario Ancic, his Coach, took hold of super-soppers. Mahesh Bhupathi, his wife Shweta and other Globosport Officials also joined hands with the grounds staff and volunteers. This inspired others and soon there were people wiping water off the Court. The Spirit, “The game must go on”, got a match going, which everyone had thought nearly cancelled.

On the organizers’ part, it was an overall success, with some minute flaws which media criticized overly. However they are regretted as it was the first time event here.

The weather… although it created a mess of the Finals, the Monsoon remained silent for the week and rained in the end as if it wanted the players to stay in the city a bit longer. The worst factor was not of rain but humidity. It was killing- as usual and some players including Del Portro and Ancic. But as Tursunov had said, “Your immune system does tend to give away in this kind of weather. But the weather was the same for all the players and everyone has to adjust to it.”

The tournament will survive for at least 3 years as the sponsors have promised and that’s a good news by Dr. Vijay Mallya- the owner of KFA and the man who is known for his interest in sports.

For Indians it was an absolute treat. The local players got exposure to some top-level Tennis. Some used it to their benefit, some couldn’t… but it will definitely help them.

Surely we need some more tournaments like this to explore the hidden talent in a country of over 100 Crores - 1/6th of the total world population.

The Globosports and MAesh Bhupathi with his personal top-level contacts with ATP-WTA players and officials have taken up this cause seriously. So more and more top players are coming to India and like many others, I hope that within next few years we may have Roger and Rafa or Roger and Roddic playing in the Finals in Mumbai… (Nice dream, isn’t it?)

So this year it’s over. But this is not an end. This is perhaps, the start of a new era in Indian Tennis and Indian Sports and of course another epoch in the life of a vibrant city that never stops in any case- the City of Dreams- the City of Mumbai…

See You Next Year In MUMBAI…

Action off The Field...

Mario in Mumbai....

I really can't believe that the tournament is over, seems like something has slipped out of my hands like a feather or a flower.....
Within a weak, next Monday actually, I would be facing my exams.
So can't say if I can come online. one thing is sure I will miss you, miss this thread, miss some Madness...
As I got to know, the ATP officials are happy with Mumbai and probably this will become an annual event.
So next year we will have the fun again....
I wish to be there next year and may be we will have Roger here some day...

I know, it's I really feel good for the fact that CCI is planning to have an indoor stadium, so next year no rain worries...

October 02, 2006 21:47 IST
Hindustan Times

The temperamental Dmrity Tursunov followed up his epic Davis Cup success by claiming his first ATP title at the Kingfisher Airlines ATP Mumbai Open on Monday.
The Russian beat the Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (5) in a rain-interrupted final that was a see-saw of emotion.
Mahesh Bhupathi and Mario Ancic captured the doubles title, beating the Indian duo of Rohan Bopanna and Mustafa Ghouse 6-4, 6-7 (6-8), 10-8 in the final.
The doubles and singles finals were postponed after Sunday's wash-out. But rain chose to play spoilsport again on Monday, interrupting the proceedings twice.
The weather also disrupted the schedule of the top players still in the fray at the tournament. Tursunov and Mario Ancic were to travel for the Tokyo ATP, starting on Monday, but had to delay their departure. Tursunov had travelled to Mumbai after a gruelling Davis Cup match against Andy Roddick last Sunday and looked physically drained during the first two rounds.
Slighted indoors without practice for the last two days, both finalists looked out of sorts at the start of the match. Breaks were exchanged in the first two games, but the Russian world No 22 got the better of Berdych in the rallies.
It was indeed a contest about whose temperament was better. The energy and fire that saw Tursunov overcome top seed Tommy Robredo in the semi-final on Saturday was lacking, but he gained from Berdych's errors and broke the Czech in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead before serving out the set at 6-3 with a service winner.
The rain-break didn't seem to affect the players' touch, but Tursunov was upset with the balls going soft quickly.
Berdych was more forceful in the second set and waited for the Russian to commit the unforced error. He effected a break in the tenth game to take the set at 6-4.
Play was again interrupted again in the third set by light showers. The spectators goaded the finalists to play on but neither wanted to risk injury.
After trading breaks in the seventh and eighth games for 5-5, Tursunov took a decisive 6-5 lead but failed to close out the set. He dished out a poor service game, losing on love.
The tie-break was another close affair, but Tursunov took it 7-5 with a superb backhand down the line to finish the match in two hours and 30 minutes.

Okey, this is something Really Funny to read...

Monday October 2, 03:52 AM

First Set, Second Love: A Tennis Story

Indian Express

A quaint tennis venue - flanked by trees and with violet blossoms dropping right
onto the Centre Court - sprung up quizzically on the periphery of one of Indian
cricket's oldest shrines, [b]the Brabourne Stadium.
Taking its cue from the multi-disciplinary settings, a fanciful allegiance to football surfaced over the Mumbai ATP week when small talk with tennis stars digressed from the usual forehands and first serves.
Austrian Alexander Peya lost to Tommy Robredo in his opening round. What is little known though, is how a teenage craze for soccer was swapped for a ride on tennis' grinding Tour. "[b]I played football seriously till I was 12-13 years old, then picked up a racket full-time which meant an end to soccer. But most Europeans play when travelling, and I can bet I'm the best football player on the Tennis tour,'' he says unabashedly.

Add compatriot Stefan Koubek to those looking back on football forlornly. Koubek has fared better on a tennis court reaching the quarters in Mumbai, and says he knew a trick or two playing footie, just that tennis training didn't permit him the
luxury to show off those skills.
Czech world No 13 Tomas Berdych touched Olympic glory beating Roger Federer in 2004, but his big five-rings moment came when he met Czech ice-hockey players from the 1998 Winter Olympic gold medal team. There is mutual admiration, though Berdych is reluctant to slide alongside on ice. "It's very dangerous but I like watching it,'' he says.
Football on tennis courts finds takers in German Simon Greul, Italian David Sanguinetti, Czech Robin Vik and Russian Dmitry Tursunov - the last mentioned cautioning that he'd rather not be photo-framed playing soccer. "I love playing, but you don't want to see me on the field,'' he quips.
Tommy Robredo, whose extra-curricular activity included beating a 13-year-old in remote car racing here, confesses that the Tour has taken its toll on his interest in soccer. ''I still like Barcelona and Carlos Puyol, but now I don't go crazy if they lose,'' says the Spaniard.
Not so for Mario Ancic, who grew up at a time when sport (Davor Suker helped Croatia finish third in the 1998 soccer World Cup) and sportsmen (Goran Ivanisevic) were defining Croatia's national character. ''My older brother Ivica insisted I do well in sports. I chose tennis, but was enthusiastic about football and basketball as well,'' he says.

Zoom into the neighbourhood and Pakistan's Aisam Qureshi splashed around picking school swimming records for five years before he stepped on to the tennis courts. "There's cricket with friends, and soccer with cousins. You name the sport and I play it, except horse riding maybe,'' he says.
The strangest second love though, is Bjorn Phau's. This speedy German carries cones to play field hockey on tennis courts.

First One for Dimitry Tursunov

Mumbai Monsoons... never let your spirits down...

The matches finally continued and the results are here...

Tursunov bt Berdych 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(7-5)

Good News for Mahesh and Mario............

Ancic (CRO) / Bhupathi (IND) bt Bopanna (IND) / Ghouse (IND)6-4, 7-6, 10-8

The Schedule of the day:

Matches start at 4:00 PM

(Singles Final)

Dmitry TURSUNOV (RUS)vsTomas BERDYCH (CZE)

followed by

(Doubles Final)

Rohan BOPANNA (IND) / Mustafa GHOUSE (IND)
VS
Mario ANCIC (CRO)Mahesh BHUPATHI (IND)

Weather Report:

It's a bit improved and I can see Sun shining outside my window. So seems like there are no more worries for us....

Saturday's Results:

Singles Results: Men's singles semi-finals:

4-Dmitry Tursunov (Russia) beat 1-Tommy Robredo (Spain)
7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-13-

Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) beat Stefan Koubek (Austria)
7-6 (2), 6-2.

Tursunov in final, Berdyeh takes out Koubek

Kamesh Srinivasan from: The Hindu

MUMBAI: It is a surprise that he has not won a title on the tour yet. It will not be a surprise if Dmitry Tursunov of Russia goes on to win one here. There is no doubt that the 23-year-old Russian has potential.

Just ask Andy Roddick, or Tommy Robredo.

He may have been tired coming into the tournament, but Tursunov has been improving with every match and put up splendid fare in entertaining a near-capacity crowd on way to a 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-1 victory over the top-seeded Robredo of Spain in the semifinals of the $380,000 Kingfisher Airlines Tennis Open at the CCI courts here on Saturday.

Tursunov will meet Tomas Berdych who cut short the dream run of the 118th ranked Stefan Koubek, with a 7-6(2), 6-2 win.

The Russian was off to a superb start, serving big and timing the ball really well. However, there were moments of indecisive play that saw the Russian get broken in the seventh game of the first set and a couple of times in the second. Yet, there was no doubt as to who was calling the shots in the whole match. With due respect to Robredo's abilities, he had very little say in the overall flow of fortunes.

As the match wore on, Tursunov was at his delightful best and had the majority of the crowd behind him.

Majestic fashion

While Robredo was made to labour for his points, the 22nd ranked Tursunov was collecting them in majestic fashion, with superb ground-strokes shots and delectable drops that had the fleet-footed Spaniard rooted to the ground.
Into the decider, Tursunov raced to a finish that took him one step closer to his maiden title. Berdych looked sharp, stepping it up at the right time to scotch the hopes of the 29-year-old Austrian who saved a handful of breakpoints in three alternate service games of the first set to force a tie-break.

The 21-year-old Berdych was quite solid on his serve but for facing two breakpoints in the 11th game of the first set.

However, he found the big ones to pull himself out of trouble and wound up the
first set with one of his nine aces. Eventually, the athletic Koubek, a
former top-20, just did not have the legs to match the World No.13, the winner
of the Paris Masters. Berdych often caught him on the wrong foot a few times to
upset the Austrian's rhythm. The match as a contest was finished when
Berdych broke Koubek in the first game of the second set and broke him again at
love in the seventh game, before serving the match out for love.

Kingfisher Open: Robredo out

NAOSHIRVAN VAKIL ( TIMES NEWS NETWORK )

MUMBAI, Sept 30:

Dmitry Tursunov is making a habit of causing upsets. Last week in Moscow, he defeated Andy Roddick in a remarkable Davis Cup rubber, and now in Mumbai he did the unimaginable by sending top seed Tommy Robredo tumbling out of the Kingfisher Airlines Tennis Open at CCI. In an entertaining semifinal, Tursunov outlasted Spaniard Robredo 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-1.

In the other match, Tomas Berdych ended Stefan Koubek's giant-killing run with a 7-6(2), 6-2 victory.

It was the Tursunov-Robredo match which was the cynosure of all eyes. The Russian was hitting the cover of the ball, belting winners from all corners. He was especially severe with his forehand. Tursunov took all the risks and was not afraid of his daunting opponent. Robredo wilted under the tremendous barrage of shots by the Russian as he meekly surrendered in the third.

In the first set, the Russian broke Robredo when he was serving for the set at 5-4 and easily won the tiebreak. In the second, Robredo held the upper hand and led 4-1 but Tursunov reduced the margin to 3-4. Then inexplicably he dropped his serve double faulting at break point. Robredo duly served out the set.

It easily went the Russian's way in the second as he totally outclassed the Spaniard. Robredo who made a good fist of the first two sets was all at sea in the third.

Koubek who was once a top 50 player, had upset No.2 seed Mario Ancic in the quarterfinals on Friday. He was not so sharp on Saturday, committing a number of unforced errors. His drop shots were ineffective against Ancic. The lob, a surprise weapon his arsenal, was kept in cold storage for this match.

So Finaly It showed Up... Monsoon I mean...

"Due to heavy rains in Mumbai Today's Matches are postponed to Monday (Tomorrow)"
Just read that Note on the KFO website a while ago. It's raining since the morning and raining and raining...
hope that tomorrow it will be Sun shining and shining and shining....

However, The forcast for tomorrow is not that good...

But Considering the reports I hope it will be all-right till the evening. till then let's have something...

I just got this news... sadly is a slightly sad one.
Play suspended due to rain

Score:Tursunov/Berdych (6/2, 1-1)

Play has been suspended due to rain and there will be a final inspection at 7:00 PM.

If the court is not dry by then, the two players will share the singles title and will be awarded runners up ATP points and runners up prize money. strange rule...

I wish the match starts on time, it was scheduled at 5 and its 5 past 30

The live telecast has not begin yet.

I have no idea but I fear- the weather...

Yesterday, when I went to my college in the morning by a crowded train- it was raining and I got a bit drenched in the waters....

Oh Monsoons!

However everything was alright in the evening and Matches were played.

Today, at my place which is so near to the City we are facing harsh rains again.

But that doesn't mean that CCI grounds will have same condition... So I am waiting for the match to start...

By the way rains at unusual times is something becoming a bit usual here, a thing the City has to live with...

thanks to monsoon that there were no rains during the week....

Rain Rain go away...And don't come another day....

Today's Schedule:

Matches Start At: 5:00 PM

SINGLES FINAL

Dmitry TURSUNOV (RUS) vs Tomas BERDYCH (CZE)

followed by DOUBLES FINAL

Rohan BOPANNA (IND) / Mustafa GHOUSE (IND)
vs
Mario ANCIC (CRO) / Mahesh BHUPATHI (IND)

*
*
*

YEAH!!!!!!!!

I wan't to SHOUT!!!!!!!!

I can't believe this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone, please tell me if what I just read is not wrong......

Rohan BOPANNA (IND) / Mustafa GHOUSE (IND) are in Doubles Final against
Mario ANCIC (CRO) / Mahesh BHUPATHI (IND) !!!

My eyes don't lie...

Here is the result of the second Doubles semi...
Rohan Bopanna (IND) / Mustafa Ghouse (IND) defeated
James Auckland (GBR) / Jamie Delgado (GBR) 4-6, 6-3, 10-7

Remember, half an hour before the draw, this Indian pair was unaware that they were playing together.

Cool Indians...!!! Always put your fan's in trouble... Now whoom shall we support?

So I will just enjoy the game alas I won't be there among the crowds today also...

One thing for sure, Indian fans will celebrate- At least One Indian will win!

Continuing from yesterday.... Here go some of clips I wished to post yesterday..

Mumbai Mirror had answered the question yesterday itself...

JOSEPH KORAITH (Mumbai Mirror)

Whoom shall we root Today...

ANYONE who tells you that life is simple is just not looking in the right direction. The situation that has sprung up at the Mumbai Open has kicked simplicity right out of the window. The reference is not to a convoluted mathematical formula used to decide a match.
The complexity, instead, stems from the confusion about the simple issue on whom to support in a semifinal doubles match which will played on centre court today. Before you ridicule and rubbish, let me elaborate.
The reference is to the doubles match involving Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi and the problem is that they are on opposite sides of the court. Paes is partnering Aisam Qureshi and Bhupathi is partnering Mario Ancic.
You can play safe by supporting Bhupathi and Ancic, them being the top seeds but that would mean that you would be putting your money against Leander. Now that is not a very wise thing. His combination with Aisam has proved lethal so far.
The women (we're not sexist, this is not a generalisation) could decide to cheer for the team with one Indian guy and one cute guy. But sadly both teams are perfectly matched on this front too. Both the cute ones, Ancic and Qureshi, have an equal share of fan following. Back to square one it is.
It would just be simpler if the Indian pair ended up on the same side of the court. In the other doubles semifinal it's not the matter of choiGe that is pertinent but the crowd will nevertheless be a bundle of nerves because Rohan Bopanna/Mustafa Qureshi will face fourth seeds James AucklandlJarnie Delgado.
For Bopanna/Mustafa to win and be in the finals would be 'just what the doctor ordered' for the Indian crowd. We are in for an epic battle in both of today's doubles encounters. As for the Lee-Hesh encounter, pick your team and scream yourself hoarse for them but don't be surprised if the other team wins.
But then again, to use the bruised and battered maxim, 'it's a win. win situation' for us Indians.

Kingfisher Open: Bhupathi scores over Paes

NAOSHIRVAN VAKIL- TIMES NEWS NETWORK

MUMBAI: It was a tame end to a fantastic match. Mahesh Bhupathi and Mario
Ancic, the No. 3 seeds, played their hearts out to score a gutwrenching 6-1 5-7
10-3 win over Leander Paes and Aisam Qureshi in the doubles quarterfinal of the
Kingfisher Airlines Tennis Open.
A packed CCI gallery shouted themselves
hoarse in support of Leander Paes. The Indo-Pak duo did not disappoint them as
they came alive in the second with stunning volleys. Leander also managed to get
the best of Qureshi who struck scintillating returns.
The new doubles rules
also came into effect on Saturday and four games in the second were decided on
the deciding point after deuce and it was Paes who got the winning shot, at 6-5
with a stirring backhand volley.
A Super tiebreak ensued and Bhupathi-Ancic
took their game to a different level. Paes had a chance on the very first point
but he smashed a volley long. Ancic struck terrific returns and big serves in
the breaker. Bhupathi was rock-solid at the net producing sparkling volleys at
the net. He finished off the match with a trademark backhand volley.
Ancic
was the only player of the four who did not drop his serve in the match. He
served big and had Paes-Qureshi groping.
In the first set it looked like
Bhupathi and Ancic had a plane to catch. Bhupathi was fantastic , hitting
volleys and superb returns.
You can never count out Paes. He wears his heart
on his sleeve and once the adrenaline is flowing there is no stopping him. The
momentum had swung their way and it looked like there would be a thrilling
finish to the match. However , it was not to be as Ancic-Bhupathi were the
heroes in the Super tiebreak.
"They played a brilliant match. Don't forget
we were playing against a top 10 player in Mario Ancic. We did well to come back
in the second set. Their experience paid off in the end," said Paes. Bhupathi
and Ancic are now directly into the final on Sunday as they have a walkover in
the semifinal.
Dennis Gremelmayr and Simon Gruel were forced to concede the
match. Gremelmayr suffered a hip injury during the quarterfinal.


Bhupathi-Ancic in doubles final

Deepti Patwardhan in Mumbai, October 01, 2006 00:53 IST

The atmosphere was worthy of a final. The match too was as good as one,
as the sheer class of Mario Ancic and Mahesh Bhupathi closed the deal in a Super
tie-break third set to progress to the final of the Kingfisher Airlines ATP
Mumbai Open doubles on Saturday.
Leander Paes and Aisam Qureshi recovered
from a set down but finally lost 1-6, 7-5, 3-10 to the third seeded pair of
Bhupathi-Ancic in the quarter-finals.
The victory catapulted Bhupathi and
Ancic to the final as their semi-final opponents, Denis Gremelmayr and Simon
Gruel of Germany, withdrew from the event because of a hip injury sustained by
the former.
Earlier, Russia's Dmitry Tursunov beat top seed Tommy Robredo of
Spain 7-6, 3-6, 6-1 to enter the final of the men's singles. The fourth seed
will meet third seed Tomas Berdych for the title. The Czech defeated unseeded
Austrian Stefan Koubek 7-6, 6-2 in the other semi-final.
"It was a fantastic
match. In the end Mahesh and Mario were too good for us," said Paes later. "I
would also like to congratulate Aisam on the performance. It was our first
tournament together; he took a lot of my shots today and made me look
good."
The match got off to a tame start as Paes was sluggish at the net and
Qureshi's serve didn't have the same zing with two quality players at the
receiving end. Two great returns from Bhupathi saw the Indo-Croat pair earn a
break in the very first game.
With both Qureshi and Paes rushing to the net,
their opponents had an easy chance to pass them. Bhupathi-Ancic's big serves
also proved difficult to return, with their opponents finding the net more
often.
A double-fault from Paes in the seventh game won the set for the third
seeds, who were looking too good for the Indo-Pak pair.
But cheered on by a
vociferous crowd and the Pakistani finding rhythm on his backhand, Paes and
Qureshi held their ground firmly. None of the players had easy service games,
and the unforced errors scratched out, it elevated into a great doubles contest.
There were the delectable reflex volleys at the net and the acute angles for
winners. Paes's drop volleys had more purpose and the Indo-Pak's aggressive
style pushed their rivals on the back foot.
They broke into the lead with
Paes's service winner in the seventh game. The duo was done in by a bad call for
fault with Qureshi serving for the set at 5-4, deuce. The deciding point was
against them but Qureshi-Paes fought to get a break back. Paes was again drawn
to deuce in the 12th game but Ancic put the ball long to give them the second
set 7-5.
The Super tie-break, which was the third set, turned out be
anti-climax as Bhupathi-Ancic raced to an 8-1 lead and went on to take the match
at 10-3.
"This week even though I was playing I was more happy to see the
stands full. Having put in so much effort for the last 7-8 months, it really
paid off," said Bhupathi.
The third seeds will meet the winners of the match
between Rohan Bopanna-Mustafa Ghouse and Great Britain's James Auckland and
Jamie Delgado on Sunday.

Matches Start At: 5:00 PM

SINGLES FINAL

Dmitry TURSUNOV (RUS) vs Tomas BERDYCH (CZE)


DOUBLES FINAL (followed by)

Rohan BOPANNA (IND) / Mustafa GHOUSE (IND)
vs
Mario ANCIC (CRO) / Mahesh BHUPATHI (IND)



I wan't to SHOUT!!!!!!!!

I can't believe this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone, please tell me if what I just read is not wrong......

Rohan BOPANNA (IND) / Mustafa GHOUSE (IND) are in Doubles Final
against Mario ANCIC (CRO) / Mahesh BHUPATHI (IND)

My eyes don't lie... Here is the result of the second Doubles semi...

Rohan Bopanna (IND) / Mustafa Ghouse (IND) defeated James Auckland (GBR) / Jamie Delgado (GBR) 4-6, 6-3, 10-7

Remember, half an hour before the draw, this Indian pair was unaware that they were playing together.
Cool Indians...!!! Always put your fan's in trouble... Now whoom shall we support?

So The Match is Over....Paes-Qureshi lost to Bhupathi-Mario....

No time right now I'll write tomorrow....

No time to write anything, I'll just post the results and some articles today (it's late night, actually and I have to complete my project, I have to submit it in the morning) Here go the results...
Kingfisher Airlines Mumbai Open Tennis, Day 5, Quarter-Finals

Tomas Berdych (CZE) def Bjorn Phau (GER) 6-3, 7-5

Stefan Koubek (AUT) def Mario Ancic (CRO) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) def James Auckland (GBR) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

Tommy Robredo (ESP) def Ramon Delgado (PAR) 6-2, 7-6

Koubek shocks Ancic in quarterfinal
NAOSHIRVAN VAKIL,
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

MUMBAI, Sept 29: It was a massive shock for the No.2
seed Mario Ancic. The Croat was humbled by the brilliant Austrian Stefan
Koubek in a thrilling quarterfinal of the Kingfisher Airlines Tennis Open at
the CCI. Koubek prevailed 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a match which lasted two hours
and 11 minutes.
Koubek will now play Czech Tomas Berdych in the semifinals.
Berdych outclassed Bjorn Phau 6-3, 7-5. Top seed Tommy Robredo defeated
Ramon Delgado in straight sets 6-2, 7-6 (1).
The Ancic-Koubek duel was definitely the match of the tournament. There were plenty of thrills and the crowd loved every bit of the action. They were rooting for Koubek, but by the third set, they switched to Ancic hoping for the Croat to mount a miraculous recovery. Ancic was not so dominant on his serve managing
only five aces. He did hit plenty of forehand winners but his net play at
crucial times let him down. When he was in trouble he attacked, but his volleying deserted him. Koubek who is ranked 118 in the world is fleet-footed and ran down almost every shot Ancic threw at him. The left-hander troubled Ancic no end with his kicking serves. Koubek also cleverly employed the lob that had the 6-ft-5 inch Ancic foxed.

Ancic got off to a fast start and wrapped up the first set with a break in the fourth. The Austrian hit back in the second hitting wonderful passing shots from the baseline. He sealed the set with breaks in the sixth and 10th games.
As Ancic grew wearier, Koubek got stronger. He continued to hit amazing winners past a bemused Ancic. He broke Ancic and had two match points in the seventh which Ancic saved. The Austrian duly served out the match hitting a lovely forehand volley for match point and winning it when Ancic's backhand slice sailed long.

Ancic bites the dust

BikashMohapatra Friday, September 29,
2006 23:34 IST,
DNA: Daily News and Analysis

Stefan Koubek scores the upset of the tournament even as the other seeds progress to the last four

MUMBAI: Three of the top four seeds at the $380,000 Kingfisher Airlines Tennis Open met the expectations of the organisers by making it to the last four stage on Friday even as the fourth bit the dust. Stefan Koubek came up with the upset of
the tournament so far by putting it across Mario Ancic, the second seed. The 29-year-old Austrian scored a come-from-behind 3-6 6-4 6-3 win over the Croat to book his second semifinal berth of the year. Koubek, a former top-20 player now ranked 118 on the list, had made it to the final at Zagreb earlier this year, losing to another Croat, Ivan Ljubicic. Here, however, he was the first player in the whole week to trouble Ancic while the Croat failed to put his act together.
On Saturday, the Austrian will be up against against the third-seeded Czech, Tomas Berdych. Meanwhile, top seed Tommy Robredo of Spain, who beat Ramon Delgado of Paraguay 6-2 7-6 (1), will play Dmitry Tursunov, the fourth seed from Russia, in the other semifinal.

Berdych survived a few anxious moments before outlasting German Bjorn Phau 6-3
7-5 in the opening quarterfinal clash.

Meanwhile, the second semifinal offers a more exciting prospect. Tursunov has this week cultivated the habit of making things difficult for his own self and in the process has ended up making seemingly easy matches interesting. His clash against Briton James Auckland was no different. The Russian dropped the opening set before coming back to score a 3-6 6-3 6-4 win, hitting a terrific crosscourt forehand at match point to leave his opponent —- and the few who were present to support him — in a state of disbelief. But the 23-year-old Russian needn’t worry. For, his opponent, Spaniard Tommy Robredo, may be the highest seeded player in the
tournament, but is by no means a safe bet. In his match against Delgado, he did
something similar to what he had done against Berrer a day earlier.

Fortunately for Robredo his opponent wasn’t able to take advantage of his frailties. With a kind of game he has, it wouldn’t be wise to place money on theSpaniard winning unless he has actually won — or unless you are his hardcore fan.
The head-to-head also suggests the same. The Spaniard may have a 2-1edge over the Russian but is by no means a favourite going into the match. The
duo has split their two matches this year. And going by Tursunov’s philosophy —
“playing three sets is always better” — it is palpable what to expect from this match.

Yes! Tursunov will meet Robredo in the semis!

and Crowds' (should be read as Girls' ) favourite Super Mario is out!!!

Congrats Koubek but Oh Mario...!!! Better luck for tomorrow...

Ancic bites the dust

Bikash Mohapatra Friday, September 29, 2006 23:34 IST,

DNA: Daily News and Analysis

Stefan Koubek scores the upset of the tournament even as the other seeds progress to the last four

MUMBAI: Three of the top four seeds at the $380,000 Kingfisher Airlines Tennis Open met the expectations of the organisers by making it to the last four stage on Friday even as the fourth bit the dust.
Stefan Koubek came up with the upset of the tournament so far by putting it across Mario Ancic, the second seed. The 29-year-old Austrian scored a come-from-behind 3-6 6-4 6-3 win over the Croat to book his second semifinal berth of the year.
Koubek, a former top-20 player now ranked 118 on the list, had made it to the final at Zagreb earlier this year, losing to another Croat, Ivan Ljubicic. Here, however, he was the first player in the whole week to trouble Ancic while the Croat failed to put his act together.

On Saturday, the Austrian will be up against against the third-seeded Czech, Tomas Berdych. Meanwhile, top seed Tommy Robredo of Spain, who beat Ramon Delgado of Paraguay 6-2 7-6 (1), will play Dmitry Tursunov, the fourth seed from Russia, in the other semifinal. Berdych survived a few anxious moments before outlasting German Bjorn Phau 6-3 7-5 in the opening quarterfinal clash.

Meanwhile, the second semifinal offers a more exciting prospect. Tursunov has this week cultivated the habit of making things difficult for his own self and in the process has ended up making seemingly easy matches interesting. His clash against Briton James Auckland was no different.

The Russian dropped the opening set before coming back to score a 3-6 6-3 6-4 win,
hitting a terrific crosscourt forehand at match point to leave his opponent —- and the few who were present to support him — in a state of disbelief.

But the 23-year-old Russian needn’t worry. For, his opponent, Spaniard Tommy Robredo, may be the highest seeded player in the tournament, but is by no means a safe bet. In his match against Delgado, he did something similar to what he had done against Berrer a day earlier.

Fortunately for Robredo his opponent wasn’t able to take advantage of
his frailties. With a kind of game he has, it wouldn’t be wise to place money on
the Spaniard winning unless he has actually won — or unless you are his hardcore fan.

The head-to-head also suggests the same. The Spaniard may have a
2-1 edge over the Russian but is by no means a favourite going into the match.
The duo has split their two matches this year. And going by Tursunov’s
philosophy — “playing three sets is always better” — it is palpable what to expect from this match

Hold on, tonight’s NOT the big nightWeather takes it’s toll as Paes vs Bhupathi clash pushed back to Saturday

Joseph Koraith (Mumbai Mirror)
For all the big names and big serves, this was
the match of the tournament. The doubles encounter between Leander Paes/ Aisam
Qureshi and Mahesh Bhupathi/ Mario Ancic was supposed to light up the
tournament, send sparks flying across centre-court. The Mumbai Open will have to
wait until Saturday for those sparks now.
Late last evening, the doubles
draw was thrown into chaos thanks to a double-withdrawal. First to opt out was
the the German pair of Denis Gremelmayr and Simon Greul, because of a hip injury
to Gremelmayr. Because of this pull-out the winner of the Paes-Bhupathi (only
for convenience) match got a direct entry into the final.
Later, Juan Martin
del Potro and his partner Juan Monaco also pulled out, Del Potro having been
forced to retire from his singles match with an upset stomach earlier.
These
injuries once again brought up the issue of too many matches played in too many
different conditions. From playing on indoor clay in a cold climate to suddenly
playing on hardcourt in a hot and humid country, the players are having a tough
time adjusting.
Del Potro, during his match against Ramon Delgado, seemed
sluggish to begin with, being stranded a lot times by Delgado’ down-the-line
shots.
Having taken a game off Del Porto, Delgado won the first set 6-3.
After the third game of the second set Del Porto was feeling uneasy and went off
court to the washroom where he ended up vomiting. He came back and played the
next game. But the uneasiness continued and in spite of being treated by the ATP
doctor, he retired after the next game with the score at 4-2. Delgado has not
played a complete match so far with his earlier match also being conceded by
Davide Sanguinetti who retired due to gastrointestinal problems.
The Indian
weather is definitely taking its victims and depriving the crowd of interesting
tennis encounters. Dmitry Tursunov agreed that the weather was playing truant.
“Your immune system does tend to give away in this kind of weather,” he said
but also stated that the weather was the same for all the players and everyone
has to adjust to it.

For original article: www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=6&articleid=92820062258522039282006225712296

The Schedules for Todays Quarterfinals....So here it goes:

Centre Court timings in IST

Match Start At 5:00 PM

Bjorn PHAU (GER) VS Tomas BERDYCH (CZE)

2 followed byStefan KOUBEK (AUT) VS Mario ANCIC (CRO)

3 followed byTommy ROBREDO (ESP) VS Ramon DELGADO (PAR)


Court 1

Starting at 6:00 PM

Dmitry TURSUNOV (RUS) VS James AUCKLAND (GBR)

So Good Luck to all- Germans, Czechs, Austrians, Croats, Spanish, Paraguayans, Russians and Britons... and Indians!!!!

the October Heat has started off a few days earlier and still there is moisture in the air so It's getting way too humid here, slightly unusual (but 'unusual' things are becoming common over here now )
I logged on just to announce that THE BIG CLASH between Leander-Aisam and Mahesh-Mario is rescheduled on Saturday, the reason is same-Humidity.
The winner of this QF match will go directly to Final as their SF opponets pulled out due to heat factor....
Anyways, it's good for me as I have an Internal Test Tomorrow and then I can go for the match if I can...It's good that it's Saturday...Huge crowds can be expected

So THE MATCH is Tonight...Can't decide.
My Heart goes with Leander and Aisam and My Brain goes with Mahesh and Mario...
Good Luck to both of them and you too!

Picture from 'Mumbai Mirror'

Singles:
Tommy Robredo (Spain) def. Alexander Peya (Austria) 6-4, 6-2
Dmitry Tursunov(Russia) def. Akash Wagh (India) 6-2, 7-5

Times news Network

It wasnot quite smooth sailing for top seed Tommy Robredo.
The Spaniard won 6-4, 6-2 but his opponent Alexander Peya of Austria made
him work hard. Peya matched the Spaniard stroke for stroke in the first set.
Robredo, who does not have an overwhelming serve, relied on accurate
groundstrokes to wear his opponent down. Errors crept into the Austrian's game
as the match went on.

Wild card entrant 16-year-old Akash Wagh got a lesson in tennis on and off the courts on Wednesday from No.4 seed Dmitry Tursunov.
However, Wagh gave a good account of himself even in defeat. Tursunov beat Wagh 6-2, 7-5 to advance to the second round.

On Del Portro having to retire due to heat

"This man is one to watch for...Really, if he keeps himself fit, he CAN do magic. I watch him on TV and watch him play confidently...I know this is not the time to predict anything, But I really liked the way he played, he kept on reminding me of Roger in his ponytale days...He has talent and has a very long way to go."

Sadly, he couldn't go far...

On the Day of Draw, He celebrated his Birth-day...

Nobody noticed him much (fans, I mean, coz I liked his photo in the newspapers, especially that Huge Chocolate Cake...)

then He came accross

former world number 1 (Moya- the one Chennai looked upon and the one Mumbai was looking for)

Portro- The 18 year old from Argentina played fabulously...

And then...his journey in Mumbai ended in the Heat...


Not all fairy-tale can have good ending but this one has just started... he is definately a guy to watch.

Just see his stats:
scoreboards.aol.com/tennis/player/95344/player.aspx

For his ATP profilewww.atptennis.com/3/en/players/playerprofiles/?playernumber=D683

Time for Score-update Thursday, Sept 28
Singles

Tomas Berdych (CZE) def. Simon Greul (GER) 7-6, 6-4

Ramon Delgado (PAR) def. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 6-3, 4-1

(Juan Martin Del Potro retired)

Mario Ancic (CRO) def. Stefano Galvani (ITA) 6- 1, 6-7

Stefan Koubek (AUT) def. Nicolas Devilder (FRA) 7-5, 6-3

Bjorn Phau (GER) def. Gouichi Motomura (JPN) 6-3, 6-3

Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) def. Kristian Pless (DEN) 6-7, 6-3, 6-4

James Auckland (GBR) def. Wesley Moodie (RSA) 7-6, 7-6

Doubles

James Auckland / Jamie Delgado (GBR) def.Juan Martin Del Porto / Juan Monaco (ARG) (walkover)

QuoteRobredo and Ancic advance, but Mumbai's humidity troubles players

The Associated Press Published: September 28,
2006

MUMBAI, India Top-seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo and second-seeded Mario
Ancic of Croatia moved into the Mumbai Open's quarterfinals Thursday, but the
extreme humidity bothered many of the players.
World No. 7 Robredo recovered
from a first-set loss to overcome the 115th-ranked Michael Berrer of Germany
5-7, 6-2, 6-4 in the second round, while Ancic spiked the challenge from Italian
Stefano Galvani 6-1, 7-6 (6).
"These humid conditions here aren't easy to
handle," said Robredo on a day when the humidity in this western Indian
metropolis was measured at 70 percent.
Ancic voiced the same opinion.
"I
felt in good shape, but the humidity is making things very tough," said world
No. 11 Ancic, who earlier this month returned to competitive tennis after a
two-month layoff due to a back injury.
"My back is holding up very well,"
said Ancic, who surged into the final of the China Open in his first outing
after the injury.
Joining them in the quarterfinals was third-seeded Tomas
Berdych of Czech Republic, who posted a 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory over Germany's
Simon Greul.
Struggling to play in the humid conditions, fourth-seeded
Russian Dmitry Tursunov rallied from a first-set loss to overcome Denmark's
Kristian Pless 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4, but Argentine teenager Juan Martin del Potro
gave up midway in the contest against Paraguay's Ramon Delgado.
Del Potro
retired in the second set, after vomiting on the sidelines of the court, as
Delgado led 6-3, 4-1.
"Luckily we're not playing under the sun," said
Tursunov. "It would have been worse if one had to tackle the sun as well as the
humidity."
World-ranked 22nd Tursunov dropped the first, losing the
tiebreaker after dropping service in the third game and breaking back in the
eighth.
"I took it for granted that I'll win the first set, but it wasn't
easy after Kristian secured a break in the third game," said Tursunov, who did
not drop service again in the next two sets which he won by forcing one break
each. Pless failed to keep up the pressure as Tursunov broke his service in the
fourth game of the second set and the fifth of the deciding third
set.
British qualifier James Auckland continued his good form, defeating
eighth-seeded South African Wesley Moodie 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5) in a contest where
tiebreakers decided both sets after all games went with service.
Also making
the quarterfinals were sixth-seeded German Bjorn Phau, a 6-3, 6-3 winner against
Japanese Gouichi Motomura, and Austrian Stefan Koubek, who downed Frenchman
Nicolas Devilder 7-5, 6-3.

And the Boy he beat...

Akash Wagh the 16 year old from Pune stunned Tursunov a bit. Akash, a mild surprise for Tursunov

(SHIVANI NAIK MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 27 for Indian Express) GAURAV Sir knew a postmortem could wait until later on Wednesday.

"We'll talk tomorrow," Natekar told his ward when young AkashWagh sought him out after a creditable 2-6, 5-7 defeat to Dmitry Tursunov, a top 25 Russian who had a few days ago broken Andy Roddick's resolve and several American hearts.

Wagh, still leagues away from top-grade Davis Cup tennis - in fact playing his first ever seniors match at the Kingfisher Open Mumbai ATP - was quick to describe his hour-long tennis tete-a-tete with the bigger Russian. "I should've been well-positioned for my forehands ...should've held serve at 5-5 in the second set, I shouldn't have made so many mistakes."

A surprise choice for the third wildcard at Mumbai, informed observers believed it would be mayhem when Wagh met Tursunov. Silencing all speculation, the 16year-old trainee of the Mahesh Bhupathi Academy, picked his first point in a men's competition with an ace, and held serve for the first time in the third game of the first set after he was broken in the opener. Two more aces for a game, before Tursunov wrapped up the set 6-2. They traded breaks in the next, Wagh attacking Tursunov's inert backhand, Tursunov serving his way out of trouble, when the Indian held two break-points.

An inconsistent forehand meant the youngster couldn't quite capitalise, but Wagh jaunted along with a steady serve, picking 7 aces in the match, as against the Russian's six, to stay level at 5-5. Tursunov, troubled a wee bit by the humidity and a change in surface from clay to hard court, managed to break thereafter, and went on to win the match comfortably, but not before commending Wagh on a serve, which the Russian believes can be developed into a weapon.

"He can hit a lot of good shots, but is fairly inconsistent right now," he said.Mentor Mahesh Bhupathi was satisfied. "He (Wagh) obviously an exciting talent. But most importantly, it was his lack of fear that was a standout. I wouldn't have been disappointed if he had lost 0-6, 1-6; I just wanted to give him the feel of the pressure that he will be up against two years from now. But looks like it won't take him two years," he claimed.

Dmitry Tursunov... The Russian who beat Andy Roddic in a 5-setterDavis Cup tie aganist US...spoke to Shivani Naik of 'Indian Express' (September 28 )

Tursunov's Top Ten...

Dmitry Tursunov is quite amused
about the funny-man tag that dilutes his formidable reputation as a hard-hitter.
"People don't take me seriously because I joke around a lot. I guess
that's the price you pay for being funny," he says with an exaggerated
shrug.

So, seriously speaking, how does the World No 22 plan to get into the Top 10 and win Grand Slams?"I think I should make fun of people on court," says the Russian, whose blog, specializing in self-deprecating humour and contempt for clay - is a rage in cyberspace.

Here's Tursunov's Top lO in a rapid-fire chat:

Your dream surface to play tennis on .... not clay, carpet, grass .. ,

Ans: Ice

How'd you best describe clay-courts?

Yakky!

Whats the toughest bit about recovering from a bad back?
Running up the hill. It's the hardest to get your back in shape; you only keep
hoping whatever you are doing is working.

One way you'd like to emulate your screen idol Jackie Chan.

Jump from the rooftop and not break anything.

What inspired the Estoril blogs that made you a full-time Tour writer?

I was asked to write, and it was a good windowforthe fans to look into a tennis players' life.

The strangest player you've played.

Fabrice Santoro: you don't know what the hell he's doing. He is gifted, but has a weird technique, and is just so ugly to watch.

Playing 15-16 year-olds ....

This Indian-one (Wagh) was harderto beatthatthe previous guy. I fear what will happen of me playing the third one.

What's tougher - writing blogs! stretching for a backhand?

Writing's tough because sometimes you can't stop thinking about what all you can write, but in tennis there s no fear of getting fired, so tennis is easier.

The best compliment after you won the Davis Cup tie for Russia beating Roddick in a marathon five-setter ....

I do'n't remeinber-the two hours after the match. People just came and talked. The former President (Boris Yeltsin) was there, and he came down and said' Good match.' Atthe end of five hours, he was so excited, it was hard to tell if he had been playing, or I was. Moreover, the whole stadium said 'Thank You.' It's nice when people enjoy my tennis too. I know they like my writing for sure.

What's the worst excuse you've given for a loss?

It's not my fault. It's the coach's fault.

waw! Paes-Qureshi won!
waw! WAW! It's gonna be Paes against Bhupathi!! Can't wait till Friday....



Results

Doubles

Leander Paes (India) and Aisam Qureshi (Pakistan)
defeated
Ramon Delgado (Paraguay) and Konstantinos Economidis (Greece) 6-4, 6-4

Paes-Qureshi win the first round match to set up a clash with Bhupathi-Ancic.

MUMBAI: The stands never looked so full. The noise was never so deafening. After
two days of relative calm, Wednesday night saw signs of a storm. One, which in a
day’s time could well prove to be the defining moment of the ongoing Kingfisher
Airlines Tennis Open.
No, the action on court wasn’t of top quality. But
when Leander Paes is wielding the racquet, there can never be a dull moment. The
doubles ace, with new partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan, steamrollered
past the Paraguay-Greece pairing of Ramon Delgado and Konstantinos Economidis
6-4 6-4 in an opening round clash to set up a mouth-watering second round duel
with Mahesh Bhupathi and Mario Ancic of Croatia.
With Paes’ regular partner
Martin Damm of Czech Republic giving this event a miss — owing to other
commitments back home — the Indian turned to “good friend” Qureshi to save him.
The handsome Pakistani jumped at the offer.
It was never going to be easy.
Both being serve-and-volley players, the coordination never looked perfect. Many
a time, both were seen stranded at the net, while the ball whizzed past. Only,
their opponents were too inexperienced to take advantage of that.
The first
set went on serve, till the Indo-Pak combine broke through in the fifth. They
managed to keep their serve to romp home 6-4 in just 22 minutes. The second set
went along a similar script. Only, this time the break came in the seventh game,
and Paes’ ace in the 10th sealed their opponents’ fate.
The result, in fact,
was a foregone conclusion. The opening hurdle of any event, though tricky, is
normally easy, particularly when one considers a seasoned campaigner like Paes.
The difficult task begins now. More than the double-faults and unforced errors,
they have to get the combination’s balance going right. Though Qureshi’s serve
played a big role in the win, Paes should be a little concerned about his
returns. But in the end, it’s the win that matters, and that came easy.
Paes
admitted as much after the match. “I think we played well considering that we
are pairing up for the first time. Qureshi served extremely well and mine too
wasn’t that bad. We covered the net well. Our game is more instinctive than
strategic. Yes, our returns could have been better. But we’ll improve with every
match,” he said.
He realises the next hurdle will be a tough one. “Yeah,
they (Mahesh and Ancic) are top players. We know what to expect. I consider
ourselves the underdogs,” he added.
Qureshi was modest. “I am playing with
the master. I know even if I make a mistake, he’s there to take care of it. I am
really happy with my serve today,” he said.
Did he learn anything from Paes’
game? “I won’t disclose that,” he laughed. “You’ll see on Friday what I
learnt.”
Courtesy: DNA (Daily News and Analysis)

Singles:
Tommy Robredo (Spain) def. Alexander Peya (Austria) 6-4, 6-2
Dmitry Tursunov(Russia) def. Akash Wagh (India) 6-2, 7-5

Times news Network
It wasnot quite smooth sailing for top seed Tommy
Robredo.
The Spaniard won 6-4, 6-2 but his opponent Alexander Peya of
Austria made him work hard. Peya matched the Spaniard stroke for stroke in the
first set.
Robredo, who does not have an overwhelming serve, relied on
accurate groundstrokes to wear his opponent down. Errors crept into the
Austrian's game as the match went on.

Wild card entrant 16-year-old Akash
Wagh got a lesson in tennis on and off the courts on Wednesday from No.4 seed
Dmitry Tursunov. However, Wagh gave a good account of himself even in defeat.
Tursunov beat Wagh 6-2, 7-5 to advance to the second
round.

Paes On Bhupathi:
These Two from India are such a fascinating pair... It's sad that they had to part but they have respect to each other and the news is that They will be pairing up agin in Doha. Paes sopke on his long-time mate and told that he is here in Mumbai for his respect to Bhupathi and his love for the City and for the Country.


Difficult to partner Bhupathi: Paes

PTI
MUMBAI, Sept 26: Indian tennis ace Leander Paes on Tuesday said he might go into the Doha Asian Games without playing tune up events with Mahesh Bhupathi because of his ATP Tour commitments.
Paes said he had considered pairing up with his former triple Grand Slam-winning partner at the $380,000 Kingfisher Airlines Open but Bhupathi had already struck a successful partnership with Croatian Mario Ancic.
"I am going to partner Martin Damm (Czech Republic) in the winter and we are to play three indoor tournaments in Europe in the run-up to the World Doubles championships in Shanghai which we are focusing on winning," the 33-year-old said.
"Actually I thought of partnering Mahesh here in view of the Doha Asian Games but he had already partnered with Mario (Ancic) who are the favourites here and that option was ruled out.
"I looked at the draw here and found Aisam (Qureshi of Pakistan) who I admire for the way he plays, conducts himself responsibly on court and I decided to ask him," said Paes.

"I don't have the luxury of taking a different partner for three or four weeks with the Shanghai tournament coming up. I am working very hard for Shanghai," he said. He said he was taking part in the Mumbai tournament mainly to offer support for Bhupathi whose event management company Globosport is organizing the event here.
"I have come here mainly to support Mahesh's venture. He is conducting WTA event and now an ATP event. The second reason is I am happy to play any tournament in India," he said.
Looking forward to the Asian Games, Paes said that since the field there in doubles would in no way be comparable to the ones on the ATP circuit, he and Bhupathi should win the title. "In Asian Games we are the favourites. If we end up not doing well it will be disappointing. I am playing at my best and we have played together for eight years. The only thing we need to be cautious about would be complacency," said Paes and insisted he would concentrate on men's doubles and mixed doubles (with Sania Mirza) at Doha.
Talking about the year so far, Paes said it has been a fantastic year with Damm
and he could not have asked for a better doubles partner. "No one on the tour expected us to reach a Grand Slam final let alone win one," said Paes who, partnering Damm, won the US Open title earlier this month.

Here are some pictures from the Opening Ceremony......

Dr. Vijay Mallya of
KFA (Kingfisher Airlines)
with Mahesh Bhupathi
on their way to the
Opening
Ceremony..




Tournament
director
Gaurav
Natekar,
Mahesh Bhupathi
and others...


Dr. Vijay Mallya of Bullon-Stunt-fame
Shines here too! He teamed up with Bhupathi to play some shots..
Funny to see him Serve...