Paes-Bhupathi duo gets wild card

BANGALORE, NOV. 28. Mr. Krishna Bhupathi, the Tournament Director for the $ 750,000 ATP World doubles championship confirmed on Tuesday, the wild card entry for the Indian pair of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. The Indians had finished as runner-up in 1997 and 1999.

In 1999, the duo made four Grand Slam finals and won the French Open and Wimbledon titles, before parting ways briefly. They came together again about four months ago and registered a title triumph at the Japan Open.

The Indian pair, now in Europe, will leave for the United states, where they will practice for 10 days, before returning home for the Bangalore event.

``We are so happy when we heard that this tournament would be played in India'' said Mahesh Bhupathi. ``Tennis in India is on the up and to have the world doubles played in our own backyard is a tremendous boost for the sport. Leander and I are looking forward to doing well in front of the home crowd'' said Mahesh.

``It is going to be very exciting and we can only imagine what the support will be like, not just for us but for all the teams taking part it will be a great week'' said Mahesh.

- Our Special Correspondent

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