India's Davis Cup captain Leander Paes has confirmed participation in the doubles event at the Chennai Open 2006.
The 1996 Olympic doubles bronze medallist will team up with Martin Damm of the Czech Republic.
Paes joins a star-studded field who will take centrestage from January 2 to 8 at the Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium for South Asia's only ATP international series event.
The strong line-up includes reigning French Open champion and World No.2 Rafael Nadal, defending champion Carlos Moya, Asia's top-ranking player and 2003 champion Paradorn Srichaphan and the Czech No 1 Radek Stepanek.
"We are thrilled to announce that Leander Paes has confirmed his participation for the Chennai Open 2006 doubles draw," said Ravi Krishnan, Managing Director, South Asia, IMG/TWI and Senior Vice-President - IMG.
"Paes is India's most exciting player and a great competitor. He's been a great leader for India for the Davis Cup and has always been a part of the country's major tennis tournament. We are certain his fans will witness to some more great action."
Paes said he is pleased to be back for the event.
"I have always enjoyed playing here. This is not only India's biggest tennis tournament but also the most prestigious annual sporting event. I love coming back here because I think the event requires unconditional support from all Indian tennis players. This would provide the right impetus for the growth of the sport in India and help produce more world-beaters.
"I have regularly played in Chennai till now. This will also help me to continue with my close relationship with the city, the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association and IMG, who have consistently organized this world-class event," he added.
In a unique role, Paes will also be on the commentary team for the matches. He took on the responsibility comfortably for the first time during the recently-concluded Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai.
"I have decided not to play in the singles draw in order to provide promising youngsters a chance to compete with some of the best players in the world. This experience would go a long way in building their confidence and prove beneficial for them in the future," he pointed out.
The veteran Indian compiled another consistent season in doubles in 2005, winning three ATP titles and taking his career doubles collection to 34 titles.
During Grand Slam play this year, he advanced to back-to-back quarter-finals at both the Roland Garros and Wimbledon. He played well during the indoor circuit with three runner-up showings in the last five tournaments, reaching the finals in Stockholm, AMS Madrid and the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai. His title wins came at Bangkok, ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo, and Barcelona.
Paes' partner, Martin Damm, was also consistent in 2005. This Czech hero won over 30 doubles matches for the third year in a row. He won a pair of titles this year, taking the total career count to 31 titles. He has had a career high ATP Entry Ranking of 8 in doubles during 2002 and this year advanced to the quarter-finals at Roland Garros.
Damm is not new to Chennai and had even reached the semi-finals of the singles and quarter-finals of the doubles event in the 2000 edition.
Paes has competed at the Chennai Open almost since its inception, winning the doubles title in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2002. Last year he reached the semi-finals in Chennai, partnering Nenad Zimonjic, but lost a close three-setter to ultimate winners Rainer Schuettler and Yen-Hsun Le.
