‘Leander-Sania have good chance of winning the gold’

KOLKATA: It’s been a triangle of sorts and a different one at that. Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were both keen on partnering Sania Mirza in the mixed doubles event at the Doha Asian Games in December.

With the selection committee opting for the former, there have been many speculations as to how Mahesh has taken to the decision.

After maintaining a stoic silence on the issue, Mahesh finally came out in the open with his version of the story — something that’s not speculative but real. The doubles ace, in the city fresh from his title triumph at the China Open last week, explained in detail his opinion on the issue which has been blown out of proportion.

“They (the selection committee) obviously didn’t inform me about the decision. I came to know about it from the newspapers,” he admitted.

Now that he’s aware of the decision, Mahesh seems to have taken it in his stride, at least that’s something that comes across on the surface.

“The selection committee thought it was the better option. They offered me three reasons, that they had played together in the 2002 Busan Asian Games, will be playing together in the Asian Hopman Cup in Hyderabad later this year and that Leander is in better form than me at the moment,” explained Mahesh.

But isn’t he disappointed? “I’m sure I was considered and I’m going to respect their decision,” reasons Mahesh. “I think they have a definite chance of winning the gold for India.”

Adieu Hingis: Since Mahesh is at the Sunfeast Open, it’s imperative that the topic veers to Martina Hingis — the Indian being instrumental in getting his Australian Open mixed doubles partner to play in Kolkata. However, Mahesh pulled up a surprise by squashing any hopes of a reunion.

“Martina is finished with mixed doubles. She wanted to win one title and I don’t think she wants to play anymore,” he admits. “Her entire concentration now is on winning one more singles Grand Slam.”

If the mixed doubles scenario isn’t good, the doubles scene isn’t any better either even after the title in Beijing.

“It’s not an ideal situation because I’m changing partners every time. Experimenting is a luxury I cannot afford as I’ve only a few years left in me, something I’d use to win as many titles as possible,” he explains.

Mahesh also refutes the possibility of forming a long-term combination with Croat Mario Ancic, whom he partnered to win in Beijing. “I know Ancic cannot commit full time to doubles as he’s a good singles player,” he says. “I’m looking forward to playing with him in the Mumbai Open but I’ll decide on a new partner in about six weeks.”

He perhaps said it without hearing what Ancic said in New Delhi on Wednesday, that he was keen to continue their doubles partnership.