Paes to challenge Delgado for crown

Paes to challenge Delgado for crown
Kadambari Murali

LUCKNOW, DECEMBER 3: Leander Paes entered the final of the BPL-ATP Challenger Tennis tournament today with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Japanese Takahiro Terachi. His rival in the title clash is Briton Jamie Delgado, who beat top seed Paradorn Srichaphan (Thailand) 6-3, 6-3 in just 60 minutes.

There were at least half a dozen occasions when the Thai stood and watched as the ball went over him and bounced in. Delgado mixed his shots well and did not allow his opponent get into a rhythm.

Paes said later: ``He (Terachi) is talented and quick, but immature. He tried some crazy shots.''

Paes may not have things easy in the final with Delgado having lots of grasscourt experience. ``The courts here have improved since the last Challenger in February, but they're not like the ones at home. I've played a lot at Queen's and Wimbledon,'' said the British No 3 -- behind Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski.

Paes, however, was upbeat. ``If I stick to my style and rhythm, it's going to be very hard to stop me. Delgado is not asgood a volleyer, though he has a nice serve and a superb backhand.''

In contrast, the Briton was cautious: ``It will be a very close match. And will be all in the head. Grasscourt tennis is much the same in every match, you can't play very different from what your game is.''

RESULTS (semis): 5-Jamie Delgado (Great Britain) bt 1-Paradorn Srichaphan (Thailand) 6-3, 6-3; 6-Leander Paes (India) bt 8-Takahiro Terachi (Japan) 6-2, 6-1.