Davis Cup: Somdev Devvarman, Yuki Bhambri put India 2-0 up against Indonesia
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.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: April 05, 2013 08:50 PM IST
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 in Bangalore 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.
After winning the first set 6-3, Yuki appeared ominous, making Rungkat stretch for the returns on either side of the court. The sheer timing and pace in the shots shook the Indonesian's concentration and he won the second set 6-2.
The first-set win boosted Yuki's confidence and he began playing aggressive tennis. As a result, Rungkat gifted away the points through many unforced errors.
Yuki broke twice in the third set pouring water onto Rungkat's hopes of a win. The latter played far too many extravagant shots with most of them landing out.
Yuki brought up his win with two stunning aces which Rungkat failed to reach.
Rungkat could not rally himself at crucial stages to break through the gates of Yuki. He played hard tennis swishing the ball back and across, but Yuki was equal to task in scripting winners on either side of the court.
Leander Paes and Sanam Singh will take on David Agung Susanto and Elbert Sie in the doubles rubber on Saturday.