The Hindu : Sport / Tennis : `Indian Express' is derailed temporarily: C.G.K. Bhupathi

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Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007
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`Indian Express' is derailed temporarily: C.G.K. Bhupathi

Staff Reporter

MANGALORE: Indian tennis fans hoping to see the famed `Indian Express' chug back in action together might have to wait at least for a while.

C.G.K. Bhupathi, former international and father of Mahesh Bhupathi, said, "the Indian Express is derailed, at least temporarily," but added that he could not rule out a reunion.

In an informal chat with The Hindu on the sidelines of the inaugural function of a tennis coaching camp organised jointly by Ramakrishna Tennis Club, Mangalore and Nike-Bhupathi Tennis Academy, Bangalore here on Monday, Mr. Bhupathi said although Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were not getting any younger, he could not completely rule out this pair coming together for important national assignments.

"If India qualifies for a tough Davis Cup tie, Mahesh will definitely be there," Mr. Bhupathi said. Mr. Bhupathi said he was confident the duo would give 100 per cent even if they were to play along side after a long interval. "As professionals, they are simply fantastic," he said and added, "one can see the chest bumping the moment they start playing good tennis."

On the reasons for this pair going off-track, Mr. Bhupathi said it was mainly because of "own concerns". Criticising the media for deriving vicarious pleasure out of the split, Mr. Bhupathi said the duo has to enjoy what they were doing. "They have to enjoy each other's company," he said, dropping sufficient hints that the spark in the relationship had fizzed out.

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