Somdev, Yuki to lead Indian challenge at Delhi Open

India's top two singles players, Somdev Devvraman and Yuki Bhambri, would aim to win another ATP Challenger title but they will face stiff challenge from a number of talented players at the USD 100,000 Delhi Open, beginning here tomorrow.

After a long wait, the country's players have got the opportunity to play in back-to-back Challenger events in India and the players have relished the chance to compete in a field, which features top players.

Yuki won the first leg in Chennai and Somdev reached semifinals of both Chennai and Kolkata events while players such as Sanam Singh and Saketh Myneni too did well.

The field for the Delhi Open has two top-100 players, including Somdev and top seed from Kazakhstan Aleksandr Nedovyesov apart from six more players in top-160.

Somdev has been countering not only his rivals but also his own indifferent form as he has struggled against his lower-ranked compatriots of late. The week ahead will be full of challenges for India's number one player and it gives him a good preparation for the gruelling season ahead.

Delhi boy Yuki has been on a roll in the last three-four months and with the kind of form he has displayed since the start of the season, he will be a serious title contender.

However, the road would not be easy as players such as Ilija Bozoljac, who triumphed at the Kolkata leg, Alexander Kudryavtsev and Evgeny Donskoy are all tough customers.Sixth seed Yuki will open his campaign against Frenchman Lucas Pouille and is expected to run into big serving compatriot Saketh in the second round and if that hurdle is cleared, he may find top seed Nedovyesov in the quarterfinals.

Somdev will clash with compatriot Karunuday Singh, who has been given a wild card entry, in his opening round and may find Japanese fifth seed Go Soeda in the last-eight.