Bhupati's decision not to play for India unfortunate: Paes

Mumbai, Oct 3 (UNI) Mahesh Bhupati's former tennis partner Leander Paes termed Bhupati's decision not to play for India as unfortunate and a loss that would be felt by the entire team.

In a release issued here today, Paes said, ''This decision comes as a surprise, as I have not been informed directly by him. In fact, Mahesh confirmed with me that we would be playing the Asian Games in two months, the Davis Cup and the Olympics in 2008.'' According to Paes, the Mumbai Open was a prelude to the Asian Games, which he believes would have been valuable match practice.

However, Mahesh had prior commitments and chose not to play with him, which he said he respected.

The only discussion between both of us has been about playing the ATP tour for 2007. It would be unprofessional at this stage, having spent an entire year nurturing my partnership with Martin, which is beginning to yield results, to now change partners. Mahesh understands the game and he has stated, respects that, Paes said.

As the Indian Davis Cup captain, Mahesh has a place in my team, and as previously agreed upon, I hope we do play the Asian Games, Davis Cup and Olympics 2008 for India together, hoped Paes.

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