Uzbekistan coach and non-playing captain Peter Lebed today hinted that his side has an edge over India in their forthcoming Davis Cup because of the uncertainty over veteran Indian Leander Paes' participation. While talking to media after a practice session in the national capital on Thursday Lebed said, "We have an even chance of victory this time as our players are in good form and shape. With Denis Istomin and Farrukh Dustov, we are favourites in singles. And now with Leander unsure for the tie, our chances in doubles too have brightened."
"Moreover, we are better prepared this time. Two years ago, in Jaipur, we didn't have shoes for grass courts, but everything is in place now," he added.
However, Lebed conceded that with the crowd cheering their on their home side, India would be a tough opponent. He even admitted that the visitors are heavily relying on their key player, Istomin, to deliver the goods. "Istomin is the best Uzbek player and he needs special attention. Of late, he is in good form, which was evident in his Australian Open performance. I am expecting him to win his singles matches," Lebed said.
The Asia/Oceania Zone Group I first-round tie will be held in New Delhi between February 8-10. Though Paes has been named the non-playing captain, the Indian stalwart may still play if he recovers from his ligament tear by February 7, when the draw will take place.
Asked whether the team's preparation was marred by the unavailability of grass courts for practice here, the Uzbek coach said, “We came early to acclimatise to the conditions and hoped that the courts are ready for practice, but it wasn't so. We will get outdoor grass courts from Saturday and it will give us enough time to practice.”
The Uzbeks landed in the capital well before schedule to get a feel of grass as it is snowing in their country, leaving them with only indoor courts for practice.
For the last three days, Lebed has been working extensively with Istomin on the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) hard courts, while the other two members of the team, Sarvar Ikramov and Vaja Uzakov, have been practising against each other.
Sports News
"Moreover, we are better prepared this time. Two years ago, in Jaipur, we didn't have shoes for grass courts, but everything is in place now," he added.
However, Lebed conceded that with the crowd cheering their on their home side, India would be a tough opponent. He even admitted that the visitors are heavily relying on their key player, Istomin, to deliver the goods. "Istomin is the best Uzbek player and he needs special attention. Of late, he is in good form, which was evident in his Australian Open performance. I am expecting him to win his singles matches," Lebed said.
The Asia/Oceania Zone Group I first-round tie will be held in New Delhi between February 8-10. Though Paes has been named the non-playing captain, the Indian stalwart may still play if he recovers from his ligament tear by February 7, when the draw will take place.
Asked whether the team's preparation was marred by the unavailability of grass courts for practice here, the Uzbek coach said, “We came early to acclimatise to the conditions and hoped that the courts are ready for practice, but it wasn't so. We will get outdoor grass courts from Saturday and it will give us enough time to practice.”
The Uzbeks landed in the capital well before schedule to get a feel of grass as it is snowing in their country, leaving them with only indoor courts for practice.
For the last three days, Lebed has been working extensively with Istomin on the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) hard courts, while the other two members of the team, Sarvar Ikramov and Vaja Uzakov, have been practising against each other.
Sports News
No comments:
Post a Comment