It Paes to be with Damm

Winning start for Leander Paes as he began his new partnership with Martin Damm at Chennai Open.

India's Leander Paes began his new partnership with Martin Damm of the Czech on a winning note at the Chennai Open on Monday Night. The top seeded duo crossed the first hurdle defeating unseeded combine of Ahsley Fisher (Australia) and Justin Gimelstob (US) to move into the quarterfinals.

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Paes and Damm rallied from a set down and claimed the match 4-6 7-6 (3) 10-3 in a thrilling and quick end, proving right the ATP decision to bring in changes in the format for doubles. The match ended in around 105 minutes.

Paes, who last year partnered Serbian Nenad Zimonjic, and Damm taught a few lessons to their rivals on how to bring out the best at crunch situations. The two combined well and prevailed over in the two successive tie-breaks, first in the second set and then in the match tie-break. Match tie-break takes place in lieu of the third set -- the new change from this season.

Paes, who rose to fame with his first doubles title at Chennai in 1997 with Mahesh Bhupathi, was in top form as he time and again came up with winners.

The Australian and American played better initially and tasted success in the 10th game when Damm made a double fault. Later in the game, Gimelstob brought off a superb return as they took the set in 37 minutes.

But once the top seeds shifted to top gear, the rivals found the going tough and had to play a waiting game. But it was no good in the end for the unseeded players.