Doha: What's brewing between Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi? Is there an 'ego war' going on between the two?
Is it, in fact, overshadowing a nation's tryst for excellence in tennis at the Doha Asiad?
These are the questions everyone is asking after what seemed to be an ego war between the two came out in the open during their doubles match at Doha Asiad on Tuesday.
Leander Paes apparently hit out at his doubles partner Bhupathi for "not playing with honesty" at the team event tie against Chinese Taipei, a charge that might see the duo part ways forever.
'The Indian Express', as they were famously called when at their prime together, was tamely defeated 6-2, 6-3 in 76 minutes in the first round game to lose the rubber 2-1 and Paes promptly gave out a war cry, saying Bhupathi's performance was not honest.
"I just feel that Hesh (Bhupathi) should be honest with himself, his injuries and his tennis," the 33-year-old veteran player said without mincing any words.
"I have tremendous respect for him. He is a fantastic tennis player and has done a lot for the country. But at the moment, he needs to be honest with himself," Paes said.
Paes, the captain of the Indian team, also threatened to drop Bhupathi.
"My job not only as a player but also as a captain is to choose the best team to win medals and unfortunately with that (Bhupathi's) performance we have to do a rethink."
Paes said after the good show by the youngsters, their defeat came as very disappointing.
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