Leander's pull-out big blow to our medal chances: Zeeshan Ali

Leander Paes' last-minute withdrawal from the Asian Games has dealt a telling blow to India's medal prospects in the two doubles events, captain and coach Zeeshan Ali said today.

Ali said he tried his best to convince Paes to change his mind but the 18-time Grand Slam champion decided against coming to Palembang after expressing his disappointment over selectors not picking a doubles specialist to play with him.

"It is obviously very disappointing to not to have Leander. It is a big blow to us. But then again he is a complete professional. It is his decision completely and his patriotism for the country cannot be questioned," Ali told PTI before a practice session here today.

"Having said that, Paes needed to be here irrespective of whoever he was going to play with as he volunteered to represent the country," Zeeshan said.

The former Davis Cupper said that his focus is now is to rejig the doubles combination after Paes' pull-out.

"But I have to forget that he is not coming and focus on rearranging doubles team, my mixed doubles team. There is no doubt that we will be missing Leander with all his experience in guiding the youngsters on court."
Couldn't Paes have made up his mind earlier?