Somdev Devvarman enters pre-quarter final of men’s singles

After surviving an early scare, top seed Somdev Devvarman led the Indian challenge in an impressive manner when ?ousting Davin Mullings from Bahama in straight sets 6-4 and 6-2 in the first round of the men?s singles of the tennis event in 9th Commonwealth Games (CWG) at R K Khanna Tennis Complex here on Tuesday.

It was unfancied ?Mullings, who began strongly and was leading 3-0 and and then 4-1. ?0-3 and then 1-4 ?in the first set. Stung by the early reverse, Somdev displayed fine determination and fought back strongly to level the score at 4-4. The top Indian tennis star then displayed some fine shots and services to win the next two games and bag the first set 6-4.

The second set saw Somdev taking ?an early 3 ? 1 lead. Though Mullings tried to put up some fight with retaining his service in the next to make it 3-2, Somdev with fine anticipation and good returns bagged the next three games to clinch the issue in his favour.

Commenting on the match, Indian team’s chief coach Jaidip Mukerjea said: ?For all the players first match is always difficult. Somdev was a little ?nervous and jittery. He took a little time to be in his groove. Once Somdev got back his rhythm,? there was no looking back and displayed his true form. ?I am happy with his form.”