Rediff

California, Mar 20: Leander Paes and his Czech partner Martin Damm captured their second ATP title of the season, beating sixth seeds Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram of Israel 6-4, 6-4 to claim the doubles crown at the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, California.

The fifth seeded Indo-Czech pair, which shocked top seeds Bjonas Bjorkman and Max Mirnyi in the semifinals, carried on their sublime form in the summit clash to win the USD 3.16 million event in their third final appearance of the season.

Paes and Damm converted two of the six break points that came their way while saving all five they faced in the one hour and 27 minute match.

The Indo-Czech pair had earlier won the Rotterdam title and reached the final in Doha. Since teaming up last year, they have a winning record of 4-2 in finals.

"Our partnership is 15-month-old and all the hard work we put in the beginning of last year is really coming together now," a triumphant Paes said after the victory.

"The results really take care of themselves but we are playing like a team that's been together for a few years. I am really enjoying the partnership. It's nice," Paes said.