India geared to break tie with Uzbeks

New Delhi:

The competition has been scheduled at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association that will host the India-Uzbekistan tie starting on Friday.

Somdev Dev Varman, 21, gets a run in the singles taking on the highest ranked player in the tie, world number 185 Denis Istomin.

Leander Paes, Captain of the Indian Davis Cup Team said, "He's a committed player, he's also got that x-factor, the Uzbeks haven't seen him play at all, and you've seen his attitude. He's even saying that the pressure is an opportunity, so I think he's definitely the right choice."

India has to beat Uzbekistan, if they lose this tie, they face relegation to group 2 of the Asia Oceania pool for the first time ever.

The sub plot in this Davis Cup encounter features Mahesh Bhupathi, who's back to national duty with the sole aim of qualifying to represent India in Beijing, alongside Leander Paes, and this is probably the last chance this legendary pair will have at winning an Olympic Gold.

Vijay Amritraj, Former Indian Davis Cup Player said, "Playing together is like riding a bike. Once you've played together, you can't forget it. So, it won't be a problem at all, even though you don't run in to each other all the time, you're still rusty, but it's good."

Leander Paes has made it very clear that he's banking on the youth to help India to reach world group qualification.