Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri scored straight-set victories to put India 2-0 ahead in the Asia-Oceanic Davis Cup Group I first-round relegation play-off tie against Indonesia in Bangalore on Friday.
Somdev defeated Wisnu Adi Nugroho 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 before Yuki saw off Christopher Rungkat 6-3, 6-2, 6-3, at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association stadium.
Somdev had things his way against Nugroho, but Yuki had to earn his points against Indonesia's number one player, though he broke Rungkat twice in each of the three sets.
Indonesia’s captain Hendri Susilo Pramono's decision to field Nugroho proved disastrous as the 19-year-old failed to make any impact against the India number one.
Somdev said since he was playing Nugroho for the first time, he studied his movements and adjusted accordingly.
Nugroho showed signs of aggression but could not live up to it.
"Wisnu approached the net but nothing materialised as I prevailed over him with winners on either side of the court," said Somdev, who utilised his opponent’s unforced errors to advantage and raced through the next two sets.
In the second singles, Yuki played his rallies to perfection as he overwhelmed Rungkat in nearly two hours.
After winning the first set 6-3, Yuki appeared ominous, making Rungkat stretch for returns on either side of the court. The sheer timing and pace in the shots shook the Indonesian's concentration.
The first set win boosted Yuki's confidence and he had little difficulty thereafter as his opponent committed several unforced errors.
On Saturday, Leander Paes and Sanam Singh will take on David Agung Susanto and Elbert Sie in the doubles rubber.
Photograph: Mohammed Salem/Reuters
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