Jan. 9: Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi continued their love affair with the Chennai Open as the Indian Express annexed their fifth doubles title here on Sunday. A hard-fought 6-2, 6-7 (3), 10-7 win over Dutchman Robin Haase and American David Martin gave the veteran duo a perfect beginning to their second chapter. It was also their first Tour title together since the success at the Canadian Masters in 2004.
Every seat in the stadium was occupied and the atmosphere was euphoric as Lee-Hesh walked into their favourite hunting ground to a rapturous welcome. Up against the experienced Indians, who were playing their 34th Tour final, the rookie pair of Haase and Martin had their backs against the wall. As expected, the Indian Express had a head start, surging ahead with a 3-0 lead before taking the opening set at 6-2.
The young pair, however, surprised everyone by winning the second set tie-break to force the match into the Super Set. Haase-Martin silenced the crowd, racing to a 4-1 lead. But the Indians dug deep into their experience and put their nose ahead again (at 8-5) before sealing the topsy-turvy battle when Bhupathi’s forehand winner dissected the Dutch-American pair.
Earlier, Stanislas Wawrinka clinched his third Tour title by prevailing over 2007 champion Xavier Malisse 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 in one of the longest finals in Chennai. The Swiss also became the second wild card to do it in the 16-year tournament history (Ivan Ljubicic won in 2006).