Lee-Hesh ready to bury hatchet for Olympics

NEW DELHI: The tennis circuit is abuzz with speculation that Leander Paes may be considering another partner, instead of Mahesh Bhupathi, for the Beijing Olympics. The Doha fracas between Paes and Bhupathi is being touted as the point of no return.

But Paes refused to be drawn into the controversy, saying: “The Olympics are still a long way off. A lot can happen in that time.” But has he been trying to sway Rohan Bopanna his way? “No way,” said Paes.

On whether he is averse to playing with Bhupathi, he said, “When it comes to playing for the country, I have no problem partnering him.”

The sentiment attached with playing for the country appears to be the only bond that the two still share. For, Bhupathi too expressed no reservation about teaming up with Paes.”We can’t allow our differences to scuttle India’s chances of winning a medal. If Leander is willing, so am I. Besides, that’s one medal we both want,” he signed off.