Chennai Open: Somdev Devvarman, Jeevan bow out of semifinal

Chennai: Indian wild card pair Somdev Devvarman and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan went down fighting to the experienced duo Austin Krajicek and Benoit Paire 7-5, 7-6(4) in the doubles semifinal of the Chennai Open on Saturday.

The rivals traded breaks after Somdev was broken in the very first game of the match but the Indian star broke back Krajicek in fourth and then in eighth. The Indians' lead was short-lived as the hosts were broken twice — Somdev (ninth) and Jeevan (11th) — with Krajicek holding on to his serve in the 12th game for the set.

In the second set, Paire and Krajicek were in their elements but the Indians were equal to the task and never relented in their counter attacks. Somdev was broken in the fifth game but they managed to break Krajicek, who seemed to be a weak link in rallies.

In the tie break, the Indians led 4-3 by winning four points on the trot but then when Paire took charge in his service game, it was too hard for the Indians to match their rivals. Paire earned four points from 3-4 to 7-4 and to win the tie break and match.

Paire and Krajicek will take on Oliver Marach (Aut) and Fabbrice Martin (Fra) in the final on Sunday.