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Paes-Bhupathi to get together again?

Last year, this time, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi ruled the doubles world. This year, this time, they are both out of the tournament they ruled a year ago.

Is the comeuppance causing a rethink about their split? Has the rapid, and unceremonous, dethroning given the erstwhile champions pause for thought? Has it prompted them to consider coming together again?

That was the buzz, but Dr Vece Paes, Leander's father, says there is nothing to it.

"True, the coaches of Mahesh and Leander met recently to explore the possibility of a reunion between the two, but Leander didn't take part in that meeting. There is no change in Leander's stance about Piperno," Dr Paes said. "Unless Mahesh severs his relationship with his current coach, there is no possibility of a reunion."

Paes senior added that Leander was committed to his new doubles partner, Jan Simerink, for at least the current season, which clearly indicates that there is no way Leander and Mahesh can team up before 2001, even if they are inclined to do so.

Dr Paes said that hopefully, the fact that Piperno won't be around during the Sydney Olympics might reduce tensions between the two stars, who are expected to lead India's quest for a tennis gold in the event.

Asked about the injury that has ruled Leander out of further participation in the mixed doubles event of the French Open, where he is teamed with Lisa Raymond, Dr Paes said, "It is too early to comment about the magnitude of the injury. The results of the scan will be out by 1800 IST today, and only then can we determine the seriousness of his injury."