Bhupathi, Paes wary of Uzbeks

The Indians might look better on paper, but the young Uzbekistan team could be really tough to beat in the Asia Oceania Group One Davis Cup semi-final, according to India's doubles ace Mahesh Bhupathi.

"We may appear better on paper but the youngsters from Uzbekistan can be tough customers," Bhupathi told reporters before the team's practice session in Jaipur on Wednesday.

He said the long separation from his erstwhile partner Leander Paes on the circuit will not hamper their performance in the doubles.

"I and Leander have played together for many years and as soon as we step on court together, the same chemistry starts working again."

Bhupathi, who made his Davis Cup debut at the same venue, also made it clear that he is concentrating on playing only the doubles event and not thinking about the singles.

Paes echoed Bhupathi's opinion while assessing the Uzbekistan team and said the Uzbeks are capable of keeping India on their toes.

"These people are tough characters. They come from such a part of the world that hard work is way of life for them. We have to be on our toes to beat them," said Paes, who recently won two doubles titles on the circuit.

"They are tough, and keeping in view the hot conditions we have to conserve our energy while playing against them. They are strong and can sap our energy if they get into groove," he added.

Paes expressed surprise that Uzbekistan's non-playing captain, Vadim Kutsenko, who played in India a few years back in an ITF tournament, was not playing in singles.

"I thought he was too good a player," he said.

"I have never played against the Uzbeks but the rest of our team members have. They had some mixed results but we have to start afresh," he added.

Paes evaded a direct answer when asked whether he would play the singles, but said the team is fortunate to have options.

"Our intention is to field the best team. I was rather unfortunate that I twisted my ankle in Australia but now I have found my rhythm and enough match practice has given me confidence. I am upbeat and my morale is high. The recent tournaments were like a physical Test and my ankle and body stood well to it.

"Harsh and Prakash too are in good shape. We will have a team meeting tonight and then it will be decided as to who plays in singles," he said.

Paes said that unseasonal rains during the past few days might have made the courts softer and lowered the bounce, which could be more to India's advantage.

"Certainly, it will," Paes, who has some memorable victories in Jaipur, said adding, "these courts have always been to my advantage."

The Uzbeks on the other hand exuded confidence that they can be more than a handful for the fancied Indians, especially in the singles matches.

"I agree that Paes and Bhupathi are a formidable pair but in singles we fancy our chances. The practice on grass courts for a past couple of days has given us some confidence," said Kutsenko.