India lost their doubles match to New Zealand. Rohan Bopanna/ Saketh Miryeni took on Arem Sitak and Marcus Daniell at Christchurch earlier today in the Asian Oceanica Group 1 tie. Rohan Bopanna/ Saketh lost in straight sets 3-6 6-7, 3-6.
In the first set both the teams started on a good equal at 3-2 in favor of the Kiwis. Bopanna serve was broken in the sixth game giving the Kiwis 4-2 lead. Sitak held his service and both Kiwis pair won the first 6-3.
In the second game Bopanna and his partner Saketh had great chances of breaking the Kiwis service but did not grab the chances to take the lead. The second went to the tie breaker. In the tie breaker the Kiwis pair did not allow the Indians to comeback in the game and took a commanding lead of 7-1. The Kiwi pair won the second set 7-6.
In the third set the Indians did not start well as Saketh lost his serve in the second game. The Kiwis pair was leading 3-0. The Kiwis pair did not allow the Indians and finally won the set, game 6-3. India are now trailing 1-2.
Yesterday Somedev Devarman lost his singles match in five setters and in the second match Yuki Bhambri won it to make it 1-1.
The pressure will on Somdev Devarman as he must win his reverse singles match to keeps India hopes alive. India will need both singles players to win their matches to advance to World Group Playoffs.