Bhupathi will not pair
with Paes for Tata Open

Ace Indian doubles player Mahesh Bhupathi will have a new partner when he sets out to defend the title he won with Leander Paes last year, at the Tata Open 2003, to be held in Chennai from December 30 to January 5.

Ruling out any chances of pairing with estranged partner Paes for the tournament, Bhupathi said: "I have not yet decided on my partner. I have a couple of options and will finalise within a week or so."

Bhupathi, who has already announced Joshua Eagle as his partner for the whole of next year, also informed that Max Mirnyi, with who he won this year's US Open doubles crown, would not be available for the Tata Open.

"Max has said he wants to concentrate on singles," Bhupathi said, replying to questions at a press conference on Thursday.

His announcement pours cold water on hopes that the most successful Indian pair might come together at Chennai, from where they began their winning streak in 1997.

Bhupathi, however, went on to say that he does not rule out pairing with Paes entirely for the future. The duo had reunited for the Busan Asian Games, where they clinched the gold medal.

Asked whether he has quit singles, Bhupathi said: "I have shut out of singles. There is no point in wasting wild cards. There are many youngsters who can utilise the chances."

On his future goals, he said: "I am playing with a new partner. First I have to get used to playing together with him and start winning."

Talking about the Tata Open, he said he feels good to be back in Chennai. "It's a very special place to me, both professionally and personally. The field is the deepest ever and has a lot of very good talent. In all probability, [Paradorn] Srichaphan could be the favourite."

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