Paes-Damm lose in Masters Cup opening match

New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) Leander Paes's quest for a maiden ATP Masters title suffered a faltering start as he and his Czech partner Martin Damm went down fighting in the opening group match in Shanghai, China, today.

The US Open winning duo were beaten 6-7 (6/8) 6-4 3-6 by Australian Paul Hanley and Zimbabwe's Kevin Ullyett in the Red Group tie in two hours and 10 minutes, according to information received here today.

The season-ending Masters Cup pits the top eight ranked players in singles and doubles with players being divided into Red and Blue Groups, and the best two from each group advance to the semi-finals.

Leander, who had won a few doubles Gland Slam titles, had expressed his desire to win the Masters which has eluded him so far.

UNI PDS RS2125