New Delhi: In a new twist to the row surrounding India's participation in the tennis event at the London Olympics, sources confirmed to CNN-IBN that All Indian Tennis Association (AITA) on Wednesday has ruled out the possibility of sending two teams to London as Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna don't want to partner Leander Paes and the latter doesn't want to play with anyone except Bhupathi or Bopanna.
AITA chief said, "It's unfortunate. The International Tennis Federation must be wondering what's happening with our doubles team. We have a difficult situation in front of us. We have spoken to all the three players and are exploring all the possibilities and have been in touch with government and other senior officials as well."
Earlier in the day Paes has already rejected the two-team formula mooted by the AITA. Paes has also insisted on being paired with a 'worthy partner' and wants a best partner as he is a top ranked player.
"I can't be condoning or rewarding the drama enacted by Mahesh and Rohan. I am happy to partner Mahesh or Rohan at the Olympics and will withdaw if forced to play with low-ranked player," Paes said. On the other hand talking to CNN-IBN, Vishnu Vardhan, who was expected to pair Paes at the Olympics said, "I was hopeful of playing the Olympics but I am sure AITA is considering all options. Anything can happen during the Olympics and seeding always doesn't matter."
"I am ready to play in the Olympics whether he wants to play with me or not is Leander's personal opinion. Maybe I will call up Leander to convince him that I can partner him well," Vardhan added.
With just over a day to go to file entries for the Olympics, AITA is making a desperate bid to resolve the differences between the three players involved.
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