Skupski in dream land ahead of golden finish;Liverpool star aiming for Commonwealth gold
LIVERPOOL'S Ken Skupski is still on course to land men's tennis doubles gold after producing a memorable performance alongside Ross Hutchins at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
The number three seeds dropped the opening set against Indian duo Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna at the R.K.Khanna Tennis Stadium by virtue of one break but the pair hit back to win 3-6, 6-3 and 6-4. The first set was decided by one break of serve, finishing 6-3 in the favour of the number two seeds but the English pair matched their opponents in set two to break and also win 6-3. The third set was on serve until Hutchins & Skupski gained the crucial break to move 4-3 up, and after saving three break points in the next game from 0-4 down - Ken Skupski went on to serve out the win with a 6-4 final set score.
He said: "To represent your country, it''s the pinnacle of everyone''s career, whether it's in the Davis Cup, Commonwealth or Olympics Games.
"We''ve had an unbelievable day today. I was tired yesterday after a long match finished late.
"Unfortunately we didn''t come through that one, but this is a good opportunity to get a medal and it worked out.
"I don''t think there was much in it to be honest - one or two points here and there in doubles these days.
"We''ve played well all week; we''ve combinedwell and have given ourselves the best chance.
"We''ve served well together. We compliment each other well. It''s a good combo and we''ve got a good chance of getting gold."
In the final they will play the Australian fourth seeds Paul Hanley and Peter Luczak, who also caused an upset, disappointing the home fans once again as they beat the Indian number one seeds Leander Paes & Mahesh Bhupathi 6-2, 6-2. "I think if they had got those break points that would have put them right back in it and probably more favourites to win the match because they are at home," added Skupski.
"Ross was able to come with huge serves and I was able to compliment him up at the net.
"In the end we got that game and that was the crucial game. It''s a dream come really to be able to play for Commonwealth gold. We''ve got to rejuvenate now and get ourselves ready.
Ross''s father and Team England Tennis Captain Paul Hutchins commented, Yes I''m bias, but I really thought they deserved to win as they played well at key stages and complimented each other really well despite playing this week for the first time.
Ross Hutchins added: "I think we played awesome. Dealing with all these people here cheering, the ''India'' chants the whole match.
"I thought we played an incredible match. We were so up for it, we were ready. We've been playing well all week in doubles and singles. Ken lost last night in an epic, but he played awesome.
"Between us we''ve combined well all week and we''re looking to get gold for England. You thrive off stuff like that, it''s what you play sport for."
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