Bopanna, Amritraj sparkles as India races 2-0 ahead

New Delhi, Apr 11 (UNI) Seasoned campaigners Rohan Bopanna and Prakash Amritraj waged grim battles before emerging winners in marathon five-setters over grasscourt rookies Kei Nishikori and Go Seoda to give India a crucial 2-0 lead over Japan in their Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1 second round tie at the RK Khanna Stadium here today.

In the opening singles, Bopanna aced out a higher ranked Nishikori 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 to put India 1-0 ahead.

In the second singles, Amritraj, who was trailing 0-2, staged a dramatic comeback to snatch a thrilling 4-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 8-6 victory over Go Seoda to consolidate India's lead.

MORE UNI RAR AB AS2006