California, Mar 15: India's new tennis sensation, Somdev Devvarman defeated Belgium's Xavier Malisse to reach the pre-quarters in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The Commonwealth Games and Asiad Gold winner, Somdev will meet world No.1 player Rafael Nadal in his fourth-round match.

The 26-year-old Somdev defeated Xavier Malisse, ranked No. 52 in the world, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (5) in highly contested match. Somdev managed to bag the first set 6-1 without much resistance from the Belgian. But, Malisse fought back in the second set to win it for 3-6.

In the last set, Somdev was down 2-5 in the tie break, but gained the momentum and scored five points to win the hard-fought match. Earlier in the second round, No. 84 ranked Somdev thrashed world No. 19 player Marcus Baghdatis.

Indians are keenly waiting for the match between India's No.1 player, Somdev and world No. 1 player Rafael Nadal, who thrashed American qualifier Ryan Sweeting 6-3, 6-1 in the third round match. Let's wait to see another blasting performance from 'giant-killer' Somdev.

OneIndia News