Leander Paes, partnering with Australian Sam Groth, clinched the Busan Open ATP Challenger by defeating Thai pair Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana 4-6, 6-1, 10-7 on Sunday.
More than the title, the win helped Paes climb up three places to being world No. 54 in the ATP charts. According to the qualifying criteria of 2016 Rio Olympics, a player needs to be within the top 56 to be eligible to play, though the National Olympic Committees have the option of fielding a lower ranked player.
Rohan Bopanna is India's highest ranked doubles player at No. 13. He needs to be within top 10 by June 11, the cut-off date, to get direct qualification. According to the rules, he may then partner with any player of his choice with a ATP doubles ranking, however low that may be. Going by Paes's vast experience, he might then be Bopanna's preferred choice.
If Bopanna is not able to get into top-10, then India's best chance to get a direct entry will by by combining players with a combined ranking of 60.
India's entry in men's doubles will also be important because without it the country won;t be able to send a entry in mixed doubles.
Leander Paes Gets One Step Closer to Olympic Qualification With Busan Open Win
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Leander Paes-Sam Groth defeated Thai pair Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana 4-6, 6-1, 10-7 to win Busan Open ATP Challenger. Paes climbed up to No. 54 in world ranking
Leander Paes is India's only tennis player to win an Olympic medal.© AFP
Highlights
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Leander Paes climbed up three places with his Busan Open win
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He is currently ranked 54th in the world
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He is the only Indian tennis player to win an Olympic medal