Bhupathi-Vizner crowned doubles champions

Add as a preferred source on Google

Montreal, Aug 13: Mahesh Bhupathi clinched his first title of the season as he and his Czech partner Pavel Vizner overwhelmed fifth seedeed duo of Kevin Ullyett of Zimbabwe and Australian Paul Hanley 6-4, 6-4 in the Rogers Masters final here.

The eight seeded Indo-Czech pair broke their opponents twice while holding serve throughout the hotly contested match that lasted one hour and seven minutes.

This was Bhupathi's fourth title in Canada, after 1997, 2003 and 2004, making him join the ranks of last year's winners Bryan brothers Bob and Mike of United States and 2005 winners Wayne Black and Kevin Ullyett.

For Bhupathi, Vizner turned out to be the lucky first time partner. The Indian ace had just one final appearance this season at Dubai Tennis Championship where he and Radek Stepanek of Czech Republic had lost to Fabrice Santoro of France and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia in the final in March.

Bhupathi and Vizner had upset victories over top seeded Bryan brothers in the semi-final and fourth seeded Leander Paes and Martin Damm in the round of eight en-route to the final.

For Bhupathi, this was his 40th career doubles title and the seasoned pro said he is enroute to his goal of bagging 50 titles and then only he will decide about his future.

''I guess four or five years ago I set the goal at 50, so 80% there.

''And see how long I can play, as long as I can enjoy it. At some point I'd like to get there, but one step at a time,'' said Bhupathi.

Bhupathi added he would look forward to continue the partnership with Vizner.

''I was looking for a partner so I sent him a message a few weeks ago, and he was already playing with somebody else. And we just got really lucky, because they were not going to get in last minute.

And then a week ago he sent me a message, and wham-bam.''

UNI