IPL player auction on Sunday

The Indian Premier League (IPL) player auction, to be held at a city hotel here on Sunday, will witness franchises juggling with their purses even as they strive to strengthen their teams.

With the player contracts ending only after the 2013 season, the upcoming auction may not be seen by many as major in nature. Many of the teams already have settled outfits from the previous two auctions but a few key purchases from a pool of 101 cricketers this time around could give a side the winning edge.

In this context, the funds remaining with the teams for the auction (from a total of $12.5 million available for each franchise) might play a crucial role in determining how active they are when the players come under the hammer.For instance, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the most successful franchise in the IPL with two title triumphs, two final and a semifinal berth, has $3,131,087 remaining. It has five slots left for overseas players (each side is allowed a maximum of 11 foreign cricketers). Each team is permitted to have 33 players in all, including the Indian cricketers.

Last year’s winner Kolkata Knight Riders has $6,872, 826 and four overseas slots to play with. The two semifinalists in IPL V, Delhi Daredevils and Mumbai Indians have $1,415,978 (three overseas slots) and $2,341,739 (five slots) on hand.

Of course, all the franchises, apart from Pune Warriors, have plenty of room for domestic cricketers.

Pune Warriors, with $ 3,304,130 of its purse left, has only three overseas slots and one domestic place remaining.

Rajasthan Royals has a whopping $7,701,304 to do shopping at this auction with four overseas slots available. Sunrisers Hyderabad has a hefty $7,003,696, with five overseas slots left. And Kings XI Punjab has $6,872,826, in its kitty with four foreign places remaining.

Royal Challengers Bangalore, a prominent IPL side, has $2,526,522 and five overseas places left.

Australian captain Michael Clarke and former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting (both have a base price of $400,000) are among the four marquee players at the auction. The other two are South African off-spinner Johan Botha ($300,000) and India paceman Rudra Pratap Singh ($100,000).

West Indian captain Darren Sammy, an accurate seamer and a hard-hitting batsman, might be a smart buy at a reserve price of $1,00,000.

There are some handy pace bowlers around in the mix too such as Australia’s Clint McKay (base price $1,00,000) and South Africa’s Venron Philander ($100,000). West Indies’ Ravi Rampaul ($50,000) could prove a bargain.

Also in the auction would be England’s Matthew Prior, arguably the finest wicket-keeper-batsman in the world, at $200,000. Another influential man with the big gloves, Australia’s Matthew Wade, has the same base price.

Quality spinners in fray

There are some quality spinners too in the fray and Sri Lankan left-armer Rangana Herath ($100,000) might be a intelligent pick in the sub-continental conditions. West Indies’ leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo (at $50,000) might prove the surprise package at the auction.

There are a number of domestic cricketers in the mix and the franchises would have to put their thinking caps on. The auction would be a battle of nerve.

East Bengal scrape past Pailian Arrows

A 10-man East Bengal edged past resilient Pailian Arrows 2-1 in a 19th round I-League encounter at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium here on Saturday.

With this win, East Bengal reached the top of the standings with 39 points from 19 matches while Arrows stayed back on 19 points from 18 matches. Churchill Brothers are only a point behind East Bengal with the Goans having two matches in hand.

The red-and-gold brigade found their goals from Nigerian Edeh Chidi (5th), who converted a penalty, and Lalrindika Ralte (32nd) to rally past Arrows, who had taken the lead through Alwyn George (2nd).

The only notable incident in the second half was the ejection of substitute forward Manandeep Singh in the 75th minute, after which East Bengal endured the remaining time with 10 men and conserved the lead.

Demp hold Mumbai FC

Substitutes Peter Carvalho and Koko Sakibo scored late in the second half to help Dempo hold Mumbai FC to a 2-2 draw at the Duler stadium, Mapusa.

Mumbai FC, who scored through Evans Quao(40th) and ND Opara(67th), appeared all set to win before two late goals from Carvalho (83rd) and Sakibo(89) helped Dempo earn a point.

Dempo took their points tally to 35 from 18 matches, while Mumbai FC have 26 points from 18 matches.

Vineeth scores hat-trick

C K Vineeth pumped in three goals in the space of 11 minutes to complete a hat-trick as Prayag United SC thrashed hosts Air India 4-1 at the Balewadi Stadium, Pune
Ranty Martins opened the scoring for Prayag on the half-hour mark, while Vineet struck in the 36th, 37th and 47th minutes.

Elijah Junior pulled one back in the 72nd minute.

A brace by Francis Fernandes (2nd and 45th minutes) helped Salgaocar beat Pune FC 2-0 in another match in Pune.

Lajong pip Sikkim

Shillong Lajong FC edged past Sikkim United FC 2-1 at Shillong, widening the gap with the latter to seven points.

Linekar Machado put Sikkim United ahead in the 20th minute. But substitute PC Lalhimthara equalised in the 78th minute, while Japanese striker T Matsuke netted the winner for Lajong in the final minute.

Force India undecided on second driver

It’s official. Force India will go into the first pre-season test at Jerez with only one driver.
That means Paul Di Resta will have to take bulk of the responsibility to put VJM06, launched at Silverstone on Friday, through its paces during the four-day test session starting February 4.

“Probably after Jerez,” deputy team principal Bob Fernley told DNA from Silverstone when he was quizzed about Di Resta’s partner.

Former Force India driver Adrian Sutil and last year’s reserve driver Jules Bianchi have both been linked to the vacant seat but the team is in no rush to make a decision.

“The shareholders will make their decision in due course. We know who is on the shortlist. We are trying to put together the programmes that are going to really take the team through a longer period than just one year,” Fernley said.

Fernley was of the opinion that having just one driver on board would not affect the test programme and that Di Resta can handle the responsibility.

“Most of the work we do in Jerez are related to the systems, so we are quite comfortable running Paul. Paul is a major part of what we do. He gives us stability and his technical feedback is excellent. That is why it is quite important that we optimise Jerez with Paul as it is the first running. It will be easy for a new driver to pick up on it once those elements have been resolved,” Fernley said.

Team principal Vijay Mallya was impressed with the first look of the 2013 car. “The VJM06 doesn’t look massively different to its predecessor, but beneath the skin we’ve looked at every detail to try and find more performance. I’ve followed the development of the car closely and I’m proud of what we have achieved. The objective now is to make sure we build on the promise of last year and have a strong start to the season,” Mallya said in a statement.

Technical director Andrew Green revealed that the car has been built from the scratch and he was happy with the final product at their disposal.

“It’s a brand new car from the ground-up. We discussed carrying over big chunks of last year’s car but decided not to. The biggest change that everybody is going to notice this year is the fairing on top of the nose to hide the ‘step’. It’s neutral as far as the car’s performance is concerned but tidies up the flow over the top of the chassis.”

Glenn McGrath and Charlie Turner to be inducted into Oz Hall of Fame

Former fast bowlers Glenn McGrath and Charlie Turner will be inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame at this year's Allan Border Medal ceremony tomorrow night here. ACHoF chairman David Crow today said McGrath and Turner were the selection committee's unanimous choice for induction this year. "Glenn McGrath and Charlie Turner were each the outstanding Australian fast bowler of their era. Despite careers more than a century apart, they had much in common," said Crow. "Tall, right-arm fast bowlers, both men hailed from country New South Wales. Their superb records demonstrate the dominance each had over opposition batsmen over a prolonged period." Thrust into Test cricket in 1993 with limited first-class experience, McGrath became the greatest Australian fast bowler of his generation. In a 14-year Test career spanning 124 matches, McGrath's 563 wickets at 21.64 is the highest tally by a fast bowler and fourth-highest of all-time, behind Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan and Anil Kumble. His unrelenting accuracy and immaculate length also posed problems for batsmen in limited-overs internationals, with his 381 wickets the sixth-highest in history. In the 2007 World Cup, McGrath's swansong for Australia, he took a record 26 wickets and was named Man of the Tournament. Winner of the Allan Border Medal (2000) and named Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1998), McGrath was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in December last year. McGrath said he was delighted to be inducted into the ACHoF and will fly from India, where he is currently working as a coach for the MRF Pace Academy, to attend the ceremony. "I grew up in the country, watching and loving cricket from a young age, and the thought of playing for Australia was a dream. To achieve that, to be lucky enough to play for as long as I did and now to be inducted in the Hall of Fame, is a huge honour. "To be featured alongside some of my heroes growing up - guys like Dennis Lillee, Rod Marsh and the Chappells - ispretty amazing, too. "I am proud to be inducted alongside Charlie Turner. I didn't know a great deal about him, but when I found out that we were being inducted together, I did a bit of homework." Turner was a formidable opponent, possessing a rhythmic run and a square-on action at the point of delivery, took 6/15 on Test debut at Sydney in 1887, helping dismiss England for 45, which remains the lowest total by England against Australia. In 17 Test matches between 1887 and 1895 -- all against England -- Turner took 101 wickets at 16.53, the best average by an Australian bowler with more than 100 wickets. Among Australians, Alan Davidson (186 wickets at 20.53) and McGrath (563 wickets at 21.64) are his nearest rivals. Turner reached 50 Test wickets in a record six matches. In 1887-88, Turner became the first bowler to take 100 wickets in an Australian first-class season, a record that stands even today. He took almost 1000 wickets in a first-class career of almost 20 years.

M S Dhoni named vice-president of India Cements

Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been appointed as vice-president of India Cements, a company which is headed by BCCI President N Srinivasan.

Dhoni, who recently resigned from Air India, is expected to play for his new employers in the BCCI Corporate Trophy which began today despite his earlier intention to take a break ahead of the important home series against Australia.

India Cements are the owners of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings of which Dhoni has been the captain since 2008 and Srinivasan is the Managing Director-cum-vice-chairman of the company.

That Dhoni had joined the company had come to light when his name was included in the India Cements squad a few days back. A Chennai Superking official has confirmed his position in the company.

The inclusion of Dhoni's name in the India Cements squad for February 1-8 Corporate Trophy had come as a surprise since the Indian captain had expressed a desire to rest and had made himself unavailable for the Irani Trophy.

The latest move to make Dhoni a vice-president of Indian Cements could come under criticism on the ground of conflict of interest.

Dhoni is known to have the complete backing of Srinivasan who had vetoed a move to remove him from Indian captaincy after a string of Test losses.

Dhoni had earlier played in Corporate Trophy for national carrier Air India but since then has resigned from the company.

The Corporate Trophy will be held in four cities – Pune, Nagpur, Indore and Raipur. The Irani Trophy will be held in Mumbai from February 6 to 10.

You need to be mentally tough to excel in any sport: Sachin Tendulkar

Who's not familiar with the upper-cuts that master blaster Sachin Tendulkar is most famous for? But during a recent trip to Ahmedabad, Tendulkar was spotted playing different strokes as the cricketer hit a couple of drives and putted to wow golfers at an international golftournament being held in Ahmedabad.

As Indian golfers waited in anticipation to meet the cricket icon, Tendulkar impressed everyone on the course as he tried his hand at driving and putting. What made the golfing fraternity take notice of the shots was Tendulkar didn't go wrong with any shot he played while trying his hand on the driving range.

When quizzed whether the master blaster wishes to make it to the competitive level, he said, "I haven't played that much golf. Whenever I've been on a holiday I've swung a golf club.

Neither have I played golf at a competitive level, nor have I gone to a golf course to hit few balls. I like hitting the ball, it doesn't matter whether it's a cricket ball or a golf ball."

What impressed Tendulkar while playing golf was the sound that each connecting shot generated. "I enjoyed some of the sounds. The sound and the connection give you the satisfaction and feel about golf," said Tendulkar.

Commenting on how golf in some ways is similar to cricket and the need to stay mentally strong, Tendulkar said, "When you get to the competitive level, in any sport, then, of course, the mind has to play a lot.

It's not about just your talent and ability to connect the ball, but also the ability to do that consistently that's important. And to be able to do that over a period of time, you need to be mentally tough.

For that training is very important. You also need to be backed by a vision to execute your plans. It may not happen immediately." Like other cricketers who were moved by golf, Tendulkar, too, feels there is something enigmatic about the sport that draws cricketers towards golf.

"Golf is a passion. I have also liked racquet sports like tennis, table tennis and squash. Most of the cricketers have ended up with golf clubs. That feeling of having got the shot right, it's different," said Tendulkar.

On whether the cricketer finds golf as exciting as cricket, he said, "At any level when there is competitiveness, people enjoy the competition; specially when the results are getting close and when till the last moment you don't know who's going to win, the excitement level goes up."

Ahmedabad has a special place in his heart. "I have had some wonderful moments in Ahmedabad. It's always fantastic to come back to a spot where you have some fond memories. This time it was golf which brought me to Ahmedabad.

The affection, warmth and hospitality that I received in Ahmedabad are memorable. And I value that," said Tendulkar, who Tendulkar scored his maiden double ton, a 217 against New Zealand in the third Test in 1999 at Motera (Ahmedabad).

Tendulkar, who is going to have a home at a golf course in Ahmedabad, said most probably he is going to spend some quiet weekends at the serene surroundings. "It's a nice spot to spend a weekend in Ahmedabad," said Tendulkar who wishes to give his son Arjun, who is with the Mumbai U-14 squad for the West Zone league matches, the freedom to enjoy the game.

India could go all the way!

Yes, India definitely have a chance of winning the 2013 ICC Women’s World Cup! The ‘Women In Blue’ may be the dark horses, but the planets are strongly in their favour. You never know, they could emulate MS Dhoni & Co!

Captain Mithali Raj has a fabulous horoscope with as many as four planets in exaltation: Uranus, ‘Planet-Y’, Saturn and Mars. If Mithali triumphs, she would become the first woman to lead India to victory in a World Cup. The extraordinary arrangement of planets in her horoscope — as well as those of her teammates’ — supports just that.

Tournament favourites England and Australia come with baggage. Charlotte Edwards had captained England to victory in the 2009 event and will not be able to do an encore. Charlotte has lost some important members from that victorious squad and this young team will not be up to the task even if they reach the final.

Australia’s Alex Blackwell and Jodie Fields have led their country to glory in the 2010 and 2012 World T20, respectively, and their horoscopes were good enough to achieve just that. To expect Jodie to lead Australia to another World Cup triumph would be a tall ask but, make no mistake, the ‘Women in Yellow’ are a very strong team..

Another team’s that’s very strong and astrologically well-balanced is New Zealand. The West Indies and South Africa only have an outside chance. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are definitely not going to all the way. So it’s between India, New Zealand and, of course, Australia. No matter what, Mithali & Co will leave an everlasting impression on cricket lovers in the country.

Mancini's Real hope

Roberto Mancini claims Manchester United's impending Champions League clash with Real Madrid could tilt the title race back in Manchester City's favour after insisting that only a "very small" gap will separate the two clubs by the end of the month.

City face the prospect of falling 10 points behind Premier League -leaders United ahead of the match against Liverpool on Sunday if Sir Alex Ferguson's team win at Fulham on Saturday.

But with United due to play the first leg of their last-16 tie against Real in the Bernabeu on Feb 13, Mancini believes that the distraction of tackling the Spanish champions will offer City the chance to close in on their neighbours.

"They [Real Madrid] are two important games for United, so I think that February and March could be the time when it's possible to decide this championship," Mancini said. "In every championship, no team has ever won the title in January, and I think that, when we arrive at the end of February, the gap will be very, very small."

The departure of Mario Balotelli to AC Milan this week has reduced Mancini's attacking options, despite the City manager admitting that

20-year-old Swedish forward John Guidetti will be promoted to the squad.

Mancini aims to replace Balotelli with a proven goalscorer this summer, with Napoli forward Edinson Cavani the Italian's favoured option. And while he admires Liverpool's Luis Suarez, the potential cost of luring the Uruguayan from Anfield, in terms of fee and wages, would all but certainly rule out such a move.

"Suarez for me is a top player," said Mancini. "I like him because he is strong. For me he is one of the best in England, but he plays for Liverpool."

Ronaldo own goal lands Real Madrid a shock defeat in Granada

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first own goal of his career to send Real Madrid to a shock 1-0 defeat at Granada in La Liga on Saturday, further damaging their already slim hopes of retaining the title.

Ronaldo has scored 21 league goals this season but headed into his own net at a corner in the 22nd minute and his side rarely threatened in the face of resolute opposition. The result left the champions 15 points adrift of leaders Barcelona, who can extend their advantage over their great rivals to 18 with a win at Valencia on Sunday.

Real have 43 points from 22 games and remain four points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid, who host Real Betis on Sunday. Wednesday's King's Cup semi-final first leg at home to Barcelona, when Real recovered to grab a 1-1 draw, seemed to have taken its toll as Jose Mourinho's side struggled to get going in Granada.

Their hard-running hosts, seemingly inspired by a change of coach from Juan Antonio Anquela to Lucas Alcaraz on Wednesday, took advantage of a familiar failing for Real this season, when they went ahead at a corner. Ronaldo rose at the near post and skimmed the ball past Diego Lopez and into the roof of his own net.

The visitors slowly found their feet but failed to register a single shot on target before halftime. Mourinho threw on forwards Karim Benzema and Jose Callejon in a double substitution to try and pep up his team, and Ronaldo became more involved in the game. The Portugal forward tested goalkeeper Tono on a few occasions but it was Callejon and Benzema who had the best chance between them to level in the 84th.

Callejon dribbled into the area and was denied by Tono, but when the ball broke to Benzema he scuffed his shot wide of the far post in front of an open goal. Real have lost five games on the road this season and drawn two.

Sachin Tendulkar set to lead Mumbai Indians in IPL-VI

Senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar is likely to return as the Mumbai Indians captain for the sixth edition of the IPL commencing on April 3.

According to IPL sources, Tendulkar will take over from Harbhajan Singh as the captain of the side, which effectively would mean the end of Michael Clarke's chances to lead one of the most popular frachises.

Tendulkar, who has been the leader and the face of Mumbai Indians for all the five editions relinquished the role last season as he wanted to concentrate on his batting.

Harbhajan Singh had first captained the side successfully in the Champions League T20 but couldn't take MI to their elusive IPL triumph.

Tendulkar, who missed the first seven games of IPL's inaugural edition due to injury, was at Mumbai Indians' helm since its inception.

In IPL 2012, under Harbhajan, Mumbai Indians made it to the knockouts where they lost to Chennai Super Kings in the Eliminator.

There were a lot of speculations about Clarke taking over the mantle of captaincy as the team didn't have a leader of repute but once Tendulkar agreed to don the role put to rest all the speculations regarding any chances that Clarke had whatsoever.

Tendulkar, who had recently retired from the ODIs, would ideally like to win the IPL Trophy having achieved almost all the other major milestones including World Cup, No 1 ranking in Test matches and 100 international hundreds.

Will Mumbai magic work again?

Mumbai Magicians have managed to secure only a single win so far, against Uttar Pradesh Wizards, in the inaugural edition of the Hockey India league. The Mumbai outfit will look to make it two in a row against UP when they lock horns in Lucknow on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the VR Raghunath-led Wizards will look to get their campaign back on track. After starting their campaign in an impressive style, the hosts were pushed to fourth place (17 points) with four defeats in four games. The Magicians, who are last with 13 points, can leapfrog the hosts if they manage to secure their second win of the tournament with more than a two-goal margin.

Saturday’s encounter is all the more important for the Wizards because the two teams are slated to meet once again in the tournament in Mumbai and the Wizards would not want to go to the Mahindra stadium facing a must-win situation for a berth in the semifinals.

Mumbai skipper Sandeep Singh said Saturday’s match will be very crucial for the team. “It’s a do-or-die match for us. Uttar Pradesh Wizards is a very strong team and it will be a tough game for us,” Sandeep said.

Stopwatch: Ranchi Rhinos 2 (N Wilson 23; M Singh 68) lost to Delhi Wave Riders 5 (G Chandi 3, 20; S Child 7; Rupinder Pal 40; G Singh 50)

Australia to bat first against West Indies

The West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl first in the second one-day international against Australia at the WACA Ground on Sunday. The match is part of a five-match series, with Australia winning the opening clash on Friday by nine wickets after routing the West Indies for 70.

On that occasion, West Indian skipper Darren Sammy batted first after winning the toss.

Both teams named unchanged line-ups for the match:

Australia - Michael Clarke (C), George Bailey, Aaron Finch, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, James Faulkner, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Usman Khawaja, Xavier Doherty (12th man)

West Indies - Darren Sammy (c), Chris Gayle, Kieran Powell, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Devon Thomas, Kemar Roach, Johnson Charles (12th man)

IPL 6: Sachin Tendulkar set to return as Mumbai Indians’ skipper

New Delhi: Batting stalwart Sachin Tendulkar is likely to be re-instated as the skipper of Mumbai Indians for IPL 6.

As per reports, the Little Master will replace Harbhajan Singh as the skipper, as the latter is likely to quit the captaincy to concentrate and improve his bowling.

The 39-year-old led the Mumbai franchise for the first three seasons and later handed over the captaincy to Bhajji in 2011. It was in the same year that Harbhajan led his team to victory in the Champions League T20 and was retained as the skipper for the fifth edition as well.

In order to strengthen their team management, Mumbai Indians earlier roped in Anil Kumble as the chief mentor and John Wright as head coach.

Mumbai Indians’ best performance in IPL was when they reached the final of IPL in 2010 under Tendulkar’s captaincy.

IPL 6 is scheduled to kick off on April 3, 2013. 

ICC women's WC: India to bowl first against England

Team India opted to bowl first against England in the Group A clash of the Women's World Cup at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai today. Openers Thirushkamini and Raut, who put on a record 175-run partnership against the Caribbeans, will look to come good again on the same batting-friendly wicket to ensure the middle-order steps up the run rate.

IPL 6 auction to decide fate of 108 players today

The auctions for the sixth edition of the India Premier League will take place today in Chennai today. Australia’s Test captain, Michael Clarke, and retired former captain, Ricky Ponting, top the list of 108 players who will feature in 2013 IPL Player Auction.

Along with the two Australians, South African all-rounder, Johan Botha, and Indian medium pacer, RP Singh, form the list of four marquee players.

AFP

The two Australians will go under the hammer with highest reserve price of $400,000. Clarke played for Pune WarriorsIndia in IPL 2012 after they bought him on a one year contract outside of the auction. Ponting was part of the inaugural IPL season, in 2008, playing for Kolkata Knight Riders but was released by the franchise in 2010.

We’ll be tracking the auction live, so do follow us for all the updates.

Paes and Raja keep India alive

The spectators packed the arena to watch multiple Grand Slam champion and Olympic medallist Leander Paes in action. And, Purav Raja rose to the occasion too matching his iconic partner volley for volley as rookie and stalwart won the doubles rubber 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-2 against Lim Young-Kyu and Nam Ji Sung to keep host India alive in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania group ‘I’ match against Korea at the R.K. Khanna Stadium here on Saturday.

The Koreans may have been perplexed at the way the celebrations unfolded — confetti littered the court and the crowd gave a standing ovation — but in a tie in which India has been considerably restricted in terms of access to quality singles players owing to the boycott of 11 players, winning the doubles was more than mere consolation.

“We didn’t order it,” said captain S.P. Misra, when queried about the zealous celebrations.

“One of the rockets went close to my ear. I am quick, but not that quick,” said Paes, as he corroborated his skipper’s comment that the celebration had “happened automatically”.

However, the grim fact remains that Korea leads 2-1, and had given enough evidence to suggest that it would be the favourite to wrap up the match on the final day.

“We have a big job on hand. Tomorrow, we have a tough test,” said Paes, as he conceded that both the Korean singles players were quite solid.

Paes was all praise for the 27-year-old Raja, who has reached a career-best doubles rank of 120, winning three Challenger doubles titles along the way.

“Purav played really well,” said Paes. He said that the training stints that he had had with Raja whenever he was home in Mumbai in the last two years, had proven handy.

Paes said that Raja, coached for many years by Sandeep Kirtane, had grabbed the opportunity to showcase his game.

“It was the biggest match of my life. It was an honour, and I was delighted to partner Leander, who has the quickest hands. It felt great,” said Raja who added that butterflies in the stomach would be an understatement to explain his anxiety before the match.

The Koreans had the game to tease the Indian pair, as they stretched the first game to ten minutes, but Paes served well to save four breakpoints, and ensured that India got off to a good start.

The Koreans were broken in the second game, but got the break back on Raja’s serve in the seventh game.

The Koreans possibly got under Paes’s skin in the eighth game, when Lim Young-Kyu tagged him twice.

The Indian pair, however, stepped up and broke Young-Kyu at love in the tenth game, as the Korean delivered a double-fault on set-point that had been set up with a delectable drop by Paes.

The second set was a lot trickier, as the Koreans broke Raja in the fifth game and Paes in the eleventh game, to be in the lead twice.

But the Indian pair broke them in the eighth and twelfth games. Paes almost fell as he flew to his left for a fabulous backhand volley to set up the breakpoints in the 12th game.

In the tie-break, the Indian pair bounced back from 0-3 — and Paes acknowledged that playing a number of tie-breaks in training in the last four days had helped, and praised his erstwhile teammate and coach Zeeshan Ali for handling the preparation very well.

In the third set, the Indian pair was just too good, and the Koreans folded up.

Paes also had the satisfaction of vengeance — he hit Young-Kyu as he hit him with a shot to break Sung’s serve in the fifth game. In the seventh game, he placed a volley between Sung’s legs to assert his mastery at the net.

When the Indian pair broke Young-Kyu’s serve, Paes called Raja in for a chest-bump to express his appreciation.

And when Raja served the match out in the eighth game — at love — Paes lifted him in celebration, and later hoisted captain Misra as well.

V.M. Ranjeet and Vijayant Malik will now have to lift their game if they are to entertain any hopes of pulling off a miracle on Sunday in the reverse singles.

The results:

India trails Korea 1-2 [Leander Paes and Purav Raja Lim Yong-Kyu and Nam Ji Sung 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-2].