Somdev, Bopanna qualify for US ATP Masters

Carrying forward their good work at the Davis Cup, India's Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna have qualified for the BNP Paribas Open, an ATP Masters tournament in Indian Wells on Thursday.

Seeded second seed in the qualifying, Somdev outplayed American Greg Jones 6-2, 6-4 while Bopanna, who is a doubles specialist, shocked top seed Daniel Brands of Germany 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4) in the final round.

Somdev has drawn French Adrian Mannarino in his first round in the main draw and if can manage to clear the first hurdle, he will be up against 19th seed Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus.

Bopanna will take on Australian teen sensation Bernard Tomic and upon clearing the first round, the tall Indian will be up against Serbia's Viktor Troicki, whom he gave a good fight during the recent Davis Cup World Group tie.

"I am glad to have passed through the challenging qualifying stages and I am looking forward to the next match. Singles matches are a different ball game altogether and I am enjoying the competition," Bopanna said.