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Somdev, Yuki hand India 2-0 lead

Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri gave India a rollicking start as they posted straight-set wins in their respective matches to put the hosts 2-0 ahead in the Asia-Oceanic Davis Cup Group I first-round relegation play-off tie against Indonesia on Friday.

Somdev defeated Wisnu Adi Nugroho of Indonesia 6-1 6-2 6-2 while Yuki saw off Christopher Rungkat 6-3 6-2 6-3 at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association Stadium.

Somdev did not have to face much of a competition from Wisnu, but Yuki had to earn his points against Indonesia’s number one player.

Yuki broke Rungkat twice each in all the three sets, which helped him in overcoming his competent opponent. In the first singles match, Somdev defeated Wisnu, allowing India to grab a 1-0 lead. It was a satisfying display by India’s number one player as he easily demolished his rival in 90 minutes.

Indonesian captain Hendri Susilo Pramono’s decision to field Wisnu proved disastrous as the 19-year-old failed to make any impact against the India number one.

Somdev said since he was playing Wisnu for the first time, he studied his movements on the field and adjusted to the game accordingly.

Wisnu showed signs of aggression but could not live up to it and in the process, lost to the Indian 6-1 in the first set, which lasted over 30 minutes. “Wisnu approached the net but nothing materialised as I prevailed over him with winners on either side of the court,” Somdev said.

Somdev smashed his way through in the second and third sets. Somdev utilised his rival’s unforced errors to his advantage and pocketed the match after he served an ace on set point to end Wisnu’s misery.

In the second match, Yuki played his rallies to perfection and never looked to miss the ball. He overwhelmed Rungkat in a battle which lasted for nearly two hours.  

Leander Paes and Sanam Singh will take on David Agung Susanto and Elbert Sie in the doubles rubber on Saturday.
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