Chennai: The party is over for the hosts in singles at the Chennai Open after France’s Benoit Paire put out Yuki Bhambri 6-3, 6-4 here on Thursday. The last Indian in the fray didn’t have much of a chance against the firepower of Paire. Earlier, Roberto Bautista Agut of Spaniard got the better of Brazilian Rogerio Dutra Silva 6-3, 6-2.
The start was as inauspicious as it could get for Bhambri, as he lost his first service game rather tamely. The Indian, who had been imperious in the previous round against Ramakumar Ramanthan, was probably surprised by the French-man’s unorthodox attacking style of play.
Paire said the match was good for him. “I was moving well and I’m really happy to have another match here. It will help my confidence,” he added. Earlier, Agut started his season in fine fashion with an easy win over Rogerio Dutra Silva. Despite having a lethal single-handed backhand, the Brazilian failed to trouble Agut much.
