Sport - Tennis

Ramesh Krishnan confident

Wellington (New Zealand) April 4 . The non-playing captain of the visiting Indian Davis Cup team, Ramesh Krishnan, sounded confident about his side's chances in the Asia Oceania Group I second round tie against New Zealand, beginning here on Friday.

After the draw on Thursday, Krishnan said, ``our boys are used to playing in tough conditions and the cold weather is not going to be a major handicap.'' India's Harsh Mankad will play Mark Nielsen, the host team's top player, in the opening rubber while Leander Paes, the most successful active Davis Cup player in the world and a bronze medallist at the Atlanta Olympics, will take on Alistair Hunt in the second rubber on Friday.

India is looking for its first ever victory over New Zealand in cold, windy Wellington outdoors. ``It's a nice day today and the forecast for the weekend is not bad either. So, we just have to concentrate on playing our best tennis,'' said Krishnan.

The Indian non playing captain said that Paes will certainly team up with Mahesh Bhupathi in Saturday's doubles rubber. ``They have decided not to play together on the Tour but in Davis Cup they will always play together. Both are committed to that,'' he said. India would be relying heavily on Paes's experience and skills. ``As we have always done, we would be looking to Leander in a big way but it is a good testing ground for Harsh. He has played quite a few Cup matches now and it is time he delivers against such opposition.'' Krishnan said that Paes was as keen as ever on the eve of yet another Davis Cup tie. ``He is positive and keen, as he always is when it comes to Davis Cup,'' said Krishnan.

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