A tennis clinic, the second in the capital this year, saw the champions who recently scripted history reaching the finals of all four Grand Slams, give `important tips' to the youngsters. The nearly 75-minute exercise saw Paes and Bhupathi teach the kids intricacies of the game, have a chat with them and sign autographs.

Paes said, ``It was a good lesson for the kids to discuss their problems and take guidance regarding the game from us.'' But he said that such clinics, though no doubt help, are not much of a good for the youngsters.

``In an exercise which just lasts for an hour or two, we can just make a few points here and there to the kids. But we can't change their technique. To change the technique, it needs a proper exercise on a regular basis. Also, the kids require to practice every day, which is very important.''

Paes said there no shortage of talent for the sport in the country. Asked if his and Bhupathi's success on the professional circuit has helped the game get popular with kids and more lucrative for the sponsors, Paes said it has helped to some extent.

``I admit the game is an expensive sport and not always affordable by the masses. Even with us, sponsors have started coming only within the last two or three years. So getting sponsors is not easy. But one should keep working hard at a personal level,'' he said.

For the chidren the clinic was a real morale-booster. ``It was really good to play with Leander and Mahesh and getting their guidance. I had always dreamt of playing with them,'' said a girl, barely eleven years old. Another kid, who thought the exercise ``really helped'' improve his game said, ``it was something really special. Leander and Mahesh are our heroes.'' Asked what lessons the champions gave them, he said, ``they told us to be quick on our feet. Also, they laid stress on improving our backhand and service.''

Paes said, ``it is important for these young boys and girls not only to learn new and better techniques, but also to implement them while playing. That is most important.''