BANGALORE: Favourites India won both the opening singles against Indonesia to take a 2-0 lead in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania group one tie in Bangalore on Friday.
India's top player Somdev Devvarman proved too strong for 19-year-old Wisnu Adi Nugroho, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 in an hour and 30 minutes in the first match.
Yuki Bhambri, ranked 279 in the world, then defeated number 250 Christopher Rungkat 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to hand the hosts a flying start in a tie where the winner will avoid relegation to group two.
"It is just the start we wanted," said Indian coach Zeeshan Ali. "It is always a big advantage to win both matches on the first day. Hopefully we can wrap it up tomorrow."
The doubles tie on Saturday will feature Indian veteran Leander Paes partnering Sanam Singh against Elbert Sie and David Susanto.
India were back to full strength after 11 top players, including Devvarman and Bhambri, had skipped the tie against South Korea in February following a pay dispute with the country's tennis federation.
The depleted Indians lost to the Koreans 4-1, but are now expected to extend their 5-0 unbeaten Davis Cup record against Indonesia. |
