E-Paper
Davis Cup: Banking on Somdev to shine
Despite losing Yuki Bhambri to a foot injury, an upbeat India would fancy their chances against South Korea when the two teams clash here for a Davis Cup World Group play-off berth from Friday.
Despite losing Yuki Bhambri to a foot injury, an upbeat India would fancy their chances against South Korea when the two teams clash here for a Davis Cup World Group play-off berth from Friday.
India would hope that Somdev Devvarman shrugs off his indifferent form when he opens the campaign against Chung Hyeon.
Ranked 88th, Somdev is the highest-ranked singles player in the tie but has struggled since winning the Delhi Open in February. He has lost four out of five matches since then, the shock win over injured world No 5 Juan Martin Del Potro the only high point.
However, Davis Cup has always got the best out of Somdev. Indeed, it was after the last tie against Taipei in Indore that he went on a brilliant spree in the back-to-back Challengers that culminated with the Delhi Open title.
Anand defends choice
India's Davis Cup captain Anand Amritraj defended his choice of Sanam Singh (world No 371) over Saketh Myneni (256) for the second singles, saying he was better suited for the medium-slow surface.
On his Davis Cup debut against Taipei, Myneni won the doubles as well as the fifth rubber.
"The court here is medium slow which would suit Sanam better," said Amritraj. "Also, I need Saketh fresh for the doubles match."
