Davis Cup: India snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory

Yuki Bhambri rescued India with an impressive win after Somdev Devvarman’s shock defeat, leaving the visitors locked 1-1 with New Zealand on day one of the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group I tie on July 17.

The Kiwis lead their Asia/Oceania group one tie 2-1 after the doubles combination of Artem Sitak and Marcus Daniell posted a crucial win in Christchurch on Saturday.

India came from behind to beat New Zealand in reverse singles and take the playoff spot to be played in September.

Bhambri, who is now ranked 151, however, brought the Indians back into the hunt after he defeated Jose Statham 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 in the second singles. If required, Michael Venus will then carry New Zealand’s hopes in a decider against Yuki Bhambri. Bhambri had copped a lot of criticism after losing the deciding fifth rubber against Serbia in the last tie but how he redeemed himself. It was a game which had to be won and I’m sure Mike was still feeling the effects of his great win on Friday.

Devvarman generally had control of each set although there were opportunities where Daniell showed that with a bit more singles play and a couple of calls going his way the set and match would have been different.

He thwarted Daniell’s attempt of a comeback by saving a break chance on his serve in the sixth game.

Daniell kept fighting hard, saving two break points in the third game of the second set, which went on serve till the eighth game. The Kiwi was down by two break chances at the start of the third set but saved both.

“We had two break points and that s not saying much”. Somdev went about his business calmly and made a ideal start when he broke Daniell in the very first game of the opening set.

Yuki held his serve in the next and at 2-5, Statham was serving to stay in the set.