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Somdev's victory helps India enter Davis Cup World Group play-offs

Last updated on: April 06, 2014 20:08 IST

 

 

 

India entered the Davis Cup World Group play-offs after a historic away triumph over South Korea following Somdev Devvarman's victory over Yong-Kyu Lim in the reverse singles of the Group I Asia/Oceania second round tie, in Busan, on Sunday.

Somdev won the  first reverse singles 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 to make the overall scoreline 3-1 in favour of India, rendering the second reverse singles inconsequential, leading to its cancellation.

"Unreal effort by @SomdevD to give us the win against Korea! fightttttt @rohanbopanna , #teamindiaaaaaa..," India's team member Sanam Singh wrote on Twitter.

"Beast Somdev :)," added Rohan Bopanna, who partnered Saketh Myneni in the crucial doubles victory, on Saturday, which handed India a 2-1 lead.

It was another trademark fighting effort by Somdev, who had endured a tough contest on the opening day as well.

Somdev DevvarmanThe India No 1's never-say-die-attitude was again on display against Korea's No. 1 singles player, who wilted after putting a good show in the first two sets.

Lim had beaten Sanam Singh in the opening singles on Day One of the contest, but fell short against the experienced Somdev.

India thus improved their overall head-to-head record against Korea to 4-6.

The last time the two teams played was in 2013, when the Koreans beat India 4-1 in New Delhi in the absence of the top players, who boycotted the tie.

India came into this match after blanking Taipei 5-0, while the hosts a bye in the first round as one of the top seeds.

Image: Somdev Devvarman