Somdev to open relegation play-off vs Indonesia

India's number one singles player Somdev Devvarman will open the country's campaign against Wisnu Adi Nugroho in the Asia/Oceania Group I first round relegation play-off against Indonesia, beginning in Bangalore on Friday.

No 2 Yuki Bhambri will lock horns with Indonesia No 1 Christopher Rungkat in the second singles on Day 1 of the tie, at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) stadium.

On Day 2, Leander Paes and Sanam Singh will take on David Agung Susanto and Elbert Sie.

In the reverse singles, on the final day of the tie, Rungkat will play Somdev and Wisnu will face Yuki.

India's non-playing captain S P Misra said, "It is a good draw and the team expects Somdev will give a good start which will help Yuki gaining confidence going into the second match of Day 1."

Paes, the senior-most player in the tie, said, "I believe we got to go out there and execute. I am looking forward to the tie. The team looks fabulous in terms of mix of youth and experience.”

"Somdev is spearhead of our team. To play through another generation is a great joy," he added.

Somdev said his approach remains same while going into every match.

“I don't think about who I am facing. Whether he has played against me or not before. I know what I am going to do. Hopefully I will do my best to execute the plan tomorrow and try and get a point to us. My opponent (Wisnu) is obviously young and he is playing Davis Cup because he has something in him," he said.

Yuki hopes to end Day 1 with a 2-0 lead.

"It is going to be a fresh day. I am looking forward to the match and playing under lights is something new in the Davis Cup," he said.