Somdev advanced to second round : Seoul ATP Challenger

Somdev, the top-ranked Indian Tennis player, who is seeded 4th, advanced to second round at Seoul ATP Challenger tournament, which has $125 000 prize money. Somdev was leading against South African player Rik de Voest with 6-3, 2-0, when his opponent pulled out because of the injury.

Somdev will play against Slovakian Pavol Cervenak in the 2nd round. The other India Tennis player Prakash Amritraj also won his first round and will play against the 2nd seed Taipei Davis Cupper Yen-Hsun Lu (ATP # 118), in the second round. Lu is the defending champion.

Percept Talent Managment, a subsidary of Mamba International, has acquired marketing rights of Somdev Devvarman. Somdev is currently ranked ATP 121, which is his highest ranking so far

The top 5 seeded player at Seoul Atp Challenger are

1) Go Seoda (JPN) , ATP # 149

2) Yen-Hsun Lu (TPE), ATP # 118

3) DE Bakker Thiemo (NED), ATP #111

4) Somdev Devvarman (IND), ATP #121

5) Lacko, Lukas (SVK), ATP # 126

Somdev puts India into Davis Cup World group

Somdev's second singles win against top seeded South African Rik de Voest with scoreline as 3-6, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-4 placed India into Davis Cup World group after 11 years. The marathon game lasted for almost 5 hours. Both the players started the first set nervously, the South African ranked at 189 was successful in breaking Somdev's serve in 5th game that gave him 3-2 lead, which he maintained by holding his serve and completed the set in 50 mintues with scoreline as 6-3. Nevertheless, Somdev was playing hard. The next set was closely fought as both the player held their respective serve. In the tie-breaker, somdev lost the set 7-3.

After loosing the first two sets, It was tough for the 133 ranked Indian as Rik was playing excellent serve and volley game. However, Somdev maintained his cool and continued his efforts. "I was down two sets. I kept looking at the bench. My teammates stood behind me and that gave me the confidence to fight back", Somdev quoted. The third set was tight for both the player as it went into tie-break. It was make or break for Somdev, he pulled the set with 7-5 scoreline in the tie-break. This gave him a chance and confidence to fight for another two set as Somdev was quoted saying "After I took the third set, I knew it was going to be a very tough but I had full confidence in my abilities and fitness." The next set was easy for Somdev as he broke Rik twice in 4th set to win it by 6-2 and Rik seems to be exhausted. In the fifth set Somdev Devvarman broke Rik's serve in the 5th game after the controversial line call, which went against the South African. Finally, Somdev sealed the victory with 6-4 scoreline and also place for India in Davis Cup World Group after 11 long year."It is a wonderful feeling to see India into the World Group" mentioned the elated Somdev.

Nevertheless, Somdev was full of praise of his oppenent,"He started playing unbelievable tennis. He was spot on with his tactics and was executing them really well. Rik is a great player and a great teammate. He was making me look silly at the start," he said.

With 3-1 lead, the next reverse singles is in-consequential. World's top Junior player Yuki Bhambri is going to play against 2nd seeded South African Izak van der Merwe.

Earlier, India conceded the doubles game as Mahesh Bhupathi was unable to continue the match because of the groin injury sustained during the 3rd set. India was down 6-3, 3-6, 4-0, when Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Boppana conceded the match.