India defeat NZ in Davis Cup

Somdev’s win levelled the proceedings and piled up the pressure on Yuki Bhambri who was up next.

Indian No. 2 Yuki Bhambri was their hero, winning both his singles matches in emphatic fashion. The advantage of that early break stayed with him throughout and he served out the set in the 10th game. He had no trouble as he served for a two-set lead.

New Zealand took a 2-1 lead in their Davis Cup tie against India with a comfortable doubles win on Saturday as India s Rohan Bopanna and Saketh Myneni struggled to return serves.

Devvarman went about his business calmly and made a perfect start to his match when he broke Daniell in the very first game of the opening set. However, he double-faulted when he was down by another break point in the fifth game.

Earlier on Sunday, Indian number one Somdev Devvarman levelled the score after beating Marcus Daniell 6-4 6-4 6-4 in an imperious style.

The third was the charm, as Venus sent a backhand into the net, handing Bhambri a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 victory.

In the final match of the day which had everything riding on it Venus faced his good friend Bhambri and straight away it became apparent it was going to be tough as the Kiwi had his serve broken in the first game. His tendency to move into the net to then get stranded at the front of the court immediately exploited by Devvarman.

The New Zealander was down by two break chances at the start of the third set but saved both.

Sensing his moment, Devvarman quickly racked up two break points.

India, nevertheless, will acquire the two single people matches up with towards the World Group event. Eventually it was a 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory to Devvarman.

Afterwards an inconsolate Daniell said he had struggled to find “the extra 5 per cent” needed to turn the match around.

Playing in your own home, New Zealand will surely be motivated as much as attained such a first Davis Cup World Group game in 16 yrs.