Tennis: Bhupathi celebrates 50th doubles title

DUBAI: India's Mahesh Bhupathi claimed his 50th doubles title on Saturday when he and compatriot Rohan Bopanna clinched a 6-4, 3-6, 10-5 win over Poland's Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski in the Dubai Open final.

Bhupathi and Bopanna joined forces full-time at the beginning of the season, with their eyes firmly set on the London Olympics.

"It's amazing," said Bhupathi, reflecting on the strong expat crowd support he and Bopanna received.

"It's even better than playing at home, because the stadium here is bigger than Chennai. For me, fortunately, it's my fifth final, I think, and it's always like this on Saturday. It's amazing, so many Indians."

Bopanna was full of praise for his 37-year-old partner.

"All that 17 years of experience on court I think really helps in those close matches and these big moments," he said.

"It's a good opportunity for me to play with him, alongside him. I couldn't have asked for anything better than winning this title." (AFP)