Doha, Dec 04: In the men's section, India's hopes suffered as Prakash Amritraj has pulled out. He was to play in singles and pair with Rohan Bopanna in the doubles and his opting out has created problem for the Indians not only in the singles but also in doubles.
Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi are the other doubles pair for India in this competition. The Koreans are also sending strong side and Indians will find hard to get past them.
In singles, Thailand's Paradon Srichaphan is rated to be the hot favourite.
Paes and Bhupathi had won a gold in doubles and Vishal Uppal/Mustafa Ghouse had settled for a bronze at Busan in 2002, then Bhupathi had paired with Manisha Malhotra for a silver in the mixed doubles, while Paes/Sania took the bronze.
But given the field, including Paradorn Srichaphan, and form Indians will be lucky if they are able to retain that four-medal tally. In such a situation there are lots of expectations from Sania Mirza and the Hyderabadi girl admitted that there was a lot of pressure on her but promised that she will go all out for a medal here.
Bureau Report
