India's Leander Paes and Martin Damm of the Czech Republic got through a tricky second round encounter at the Australian Open to stay on course for a potential showdown with Mahesh Bhupathi and Wesley Moodie in the pre-quarterfinal in Melbourne.
Paes and Damm, seeded seventh, overcame a staunch challenge from the Czech pair of Lukas Dlouhy and Pavel Vizner to win 7-5, 6-3 at the Melbourne Park on Friday.
Paes-Damm will play the winner of the match between Bhupathi-Moodie and Arnaud Clement-Michael Llodra from France.
Bhupathi made a successful start in the mixed doubles, teaming up with former world number one Martina Hingis beat Yeu-Tzuoo Wang and Na Li 6-2, 6-2 in the first round.