Bangalore, Sep 14: Somdev Devvarman fought like a true warrior to lock the tie with his stunning victory in the fourth rubber while Yuki Bhambri was locked in an engrossing battle in the decider, halted by rain mid-way, as India's hopes were still hanging by thread in the David Cup World Group play-off tie against Serbia, here today.

Somdev, who has endured a tough season coming into this tie, carved out a heroic 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-3 win over world number 61 Dusan Lajovic to bring the tie to level terms. Playing in a live fifth rubber for the first in his short Davis Cup career, Yuki was trailing 3-6 4-4 against 107th ranked Krajinovic when rain started to lash the KSLTA courts, forcing suspension of play. With well past 11 PM IST and still lot of water on the courts it was decided to abandon play for the day. The deciding rubber will now continue on Monday (September 15) at 12 PM IST.

In the 114-year-old history of Davis Cup, there have been only 51 instances when nations have came back from 0-2 to win the tie and India have done that only once when they beat Brazil in 2010 in Chennai. Somdev had won the fourth rubber then and Rohan Bopanna won the fifth.

If India have to do it second time, Yuki will have to play his best and grab chances against Krajinovic as both the players are tremendous stroke makers. Overcoming a sluggish start, Somdev battled hard for three hours and 37 minutes to dish out a memorable win.

After being drubbed in the first set, Somdev showed amazing strength in his legs and an intelligent brain as he regrouped amazingly to counter a very good opponent, who had reached French Open pre-quarterfinals this season.

Somdev saved eight breakpoints in the second set to revive his and India's chances and switched to serve and volley at crucial junctures, surprising his opponent. Somdev was rewarded for taking risk as he is not a serve and volley player and has struggled in the past while coming forward to finish points.

Lajovic had dictated terms with his huge service game, at the start but after receiving treatment in his left leg after the second set he lost his rhythm, giving Somdev chance to gather his game.

PTI