Davis Cup: Leander Paes smashes World Record, defeats China in Group I

Indian tennis legend Leander Paes on Saturday became the most successful doubles player in the history of Davis Cup as he along with Rohan Bopanna notched a record 43^rd win to bring India back in the tie against China.

Paes and Bopanna are playing together on the orders by All India Tennis Association, won against resilient Chinese duo of Ze Zhang and Mo Xin Gong 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(3) in the Asia/Oceania Group I fixture.

After the surprise defeat of Sumit Nagal and Ramkumar Ramananthan on Friday, India desperately needed a win to stay alive in the fixture.

The Indian youngsters will need to win their return singles to go through to the World Group Play-offs.

ALSO READ: IPL 2018: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Preview

Paes was long tied on 42 wins with Italian legend Nicola Pietrangeli, but finally surpassed him.

The 44-year-old made his Davis Cup debut in 1990 with Zeeshan Ali and learned his tricks in the great company of Mahesh Bhupathi, who is the current captain of the team.

Bopanna had earlier expressed his unwillingness to play with Paes but the pair managed to bond well during the game. His rocket serves were too much for the Chinese to handle.

The experience of the Indians kicked in later during the game and they pulled off an unforgettable victory against the Chinese.