Pairing with Hesh to brighten chance of winning Olympic medal

Kolkata, May 23 (UNI) Leander Paes today said pairing with Mahesh Bhupathi would brighten India's chances of winning a medal in tennis in the Beijing Olympics.

''I will play in Beijing since All India Tennis Association and India Olympics Association have chosen us to represent the country, '' the 34-year-old tennis ace told reporters after launching Bengal Tennis Assocation's official website www.bengaltennis.com.

Paes said they (Paes and Bhupathi) were world Number one doubles partners and won many Grand Slams for the country.

He named several doubles partners, including Brian brothers, and said still he and Mahesh duo were the best in the world, they could win trophies.

He, however, refused to comment why there was a rift between him and Mahesh, and the AITA stuck to its decision to field the former world numero uno pair to represent the country.

Recently Mahesh Bhupathi wrote in an email to AITA that he wanted to play with Rohan Bopanna in the Beijing Olympic instead of Leander Paes.

Paes said, '' There is no better double players than he and Mahesh in India and the country stands every chance of winning medal in Beijing Olympics this August. '' UNI PC SJC RKM DB2041