Paes-Damm conquer Pacific Life Open in straight sets

Indian Wells, California, Mar 19 (UNI) Leander Paes and Martin Damm gave further proof of their growing chemistry when they beat sixth-seeded Israeli duo of Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram 6-4, 6-4, in the doubles final to win their first Pacific Life Open title and their first ATP Masters Series shield in tandem.

The sizzling Indo-Czech pair converted two of six break points while saving all five break points they faced in the one hour and 27 minute encounter.

Stressing on the rapport between him and the Czech palyer, an elated Paes said, ''Our partnership is 15-month old and all the hard work we put in the beginning of last year is really coming together now.'' ''The results really take care of themselves but we are playing like a team that's been together for a few years. I am really enjoying the partnership and traveling together. It's nice,'' Paes added.

Damm also chipped in saying, ''It's only the middle of March and it's great to win two titles already in three finals. The last time I won a Masters Series title was 2002 (Rome) so it's nice to win another one. It's early in the season and this a great push for the rest of the season.'' Since teaming up last year, they are 4-2 in finals.

Fifth seeded Paes and Damm were in outstanding form throughout the tournament and dropped only a single set en route to the finals.

Earlier, in the semi-finals, Paes-Damm pulled off an upset victory over reigning world number one pair Jonas Bjorkman-Max Mirnyi to storm into the finals of the the 3,169,600 million dollar event.

This is the thrid time the formidable pair has entered the finals during the current year. Paes and Damm ended up runners-up in the Qatar Open in Doha and last month clinched the ATP doubles event at Rotterdam.

UNI