The win over Korea puts the team in World Group play-off

The Indian Davis Cup team entered the World Group play-offs after notching up a historic away triumph over Korea following Somdev Devvarman’s win over Yong-Kyu Lim in the reverse singles of the Group I Asia/Oceania second round tie here on Sunday.

Devvarman prevailed 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 in the first reverse singles to make the overall scoreline 3-1 in favour of India. With the winner already decided, both the captains agreed not to play the second singles rubber of the day between Sanam Singh and Hyeon Chung. Devvarman, ranked 88th in the singles, won the opening two games before Lim, ranked No.300, claimed four consecutive games to take the lead.

Devvarman returned the favour by winning four games in a row to close out the set. At 5-5 in the second set, Lim held serve and broke Devvarman to pull even. Devvarman went ahead 3-1 to start the third set and won it 6-3. Lim suffered leg cramps in the fourth, as Devvarman cruised to a 6-1 win and closed out the match. “Unreal effort by @SomdevD to give us the win against Korea! fightttttt @rohanbopanna , #teamindiaaaaaa..” tweeted Indian team member Sanam Singh.

“Beast Somdev :),” added Rohan Bopanna, who partnered Saketh Myneni in the crucial doubles win which handed India the advantage. It was another one of those trademark fighting efforts by Devvarman, who had endured a tough contest on the opening day as well.

The India No.1’s much admired never-say-die attitude was once again on display against Korea’s top player, who wilted after putting up a good show in the first two sets. India has now improved its overall head-to-head record against Korea to 4-6.

The result: Korea 1 lost to India 3 [Yong-Kyu Lim lost to Somdev Devvarman 4-6, 7-5, 3-6, 1-6; Hyeon Chung vs Sanam Singh - not played].