Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi, second in the reckoning for the ATP Doubles title behind the Bryan twins (Bob/Brian), find themselves in a must-win situation at the Masters Cup in Houston. Monday night’s win over fifth-seeded Australians Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley (6-4, 7-6 (2)) has thrown the Blue Group wide open. The Indo-Belarussian pair, who recorded their first win after being surprised by No 8 seeds Gaston Etlis/ Martin Rodriguez in their opener, now share second spot in the group. ‘‘The pressure is surely telling on us’’, Bhupathi told The Indian Express, “It’s going to be tough and with the kind of form that we are in it looks dicey, but nevertheless we hope for the best.” The win in fact put Bhupathi/Mirnyi at least in the reckoning of a semi-final slot, but that would also mean looking at the result of the Etlis/Rodrigues vs the winless Arthurs/Hanley match.
