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Fasaluddin makes Davis Cup singles debut

The 21-year-old Syed Fasaluddin will make his debut in the singles of the prestigious Davis Cup tournament when he takes on Chinese number one player Zhu Ben Qiang in the second singles on the opening day of the Asia Oceania zone group I tie here tomorrow.

In the first singles, India's ace Leander Paes will clash with Chinese number two player Zhang Yu according the draw of the three day tie, taken out by state sports minister Subhas Chakraborty this morning. Leander and Mahesh Bhupati will take on Zhu Ben Qiang and Zhang Yu in the doubles on the second day.

In the reverse singles, to be played on the third day, Leander will meet Zhu Ben Qiang and Fasaluddin will take on Zhang Yu.

Speaking to reporters about the reason for Bhupati not not playing any singles, India's non-playing captain Jaideep Mukherjea clarified that since Bhupati had not fully recovered from his hamstring injury, suffered about two weeks ago in the USA, ''we had decided not to take any chance which might also aggravate the situation further.''

''After consulting both Bhupati and his physio Bill Norris about his injury last night we had finally decided to feature him only in doubles and not in singles,'' Mukherjea said.

Commenting on the draw and his decision to feature young and upcoming Syed Fasaluddin, who earlier represented India only once in doubles (against Korea in the earlier match), Mukherjea said he was very happy with the draw since Leander would play the first singles. As for featuring Syed for the first time in singles, he said he had confidence in his abilities and was sure that he would perform well in both the matches.

Leander said though on paper India was certainly a better side and was poised to win the tie against China, ''We are not underestimating our opponents and will go all out to beat them.'' He, however, agreed that initially he might take some time to settle down. ''But I am fully fit and looking forward to take on the Chinese.''

About India's chances of a comfortable win despite featuring Fasaluddin instead of the seasoned Bhupathi in the singles, Leander said he was optimistic about Fasal's capabilities. ''I am sure that he would leave no stone unturned to win both the singles. He understands the game very well and has the abilities to rise to the occasion,'' Leander remarked.

About Mahesh's injury, Leander said it was unfortunate that he could not not fully recover on time. ''But I know how serious the injury is and only hope that it will not bother him during the doubles on Saturday.''

UNI