India's top pair toppled

The Indian doubles team had a stern test on home turf

Cowan (GB) and Navarra (It) beat Paes and Bhupathi (Ind) 2-6 7-6 6-4

Former world number one doubles pair Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi of India have been knocked out of the Indian Open semi-finals.

Britain's Barry Cowan and Italy's Mose Navarra were the conquerors reaching the final with a surprising 2-6 7-6 6-4 win.

Paes and Bhupathi, tournament winners three times from 1997 to 1999, reunited last year after splitting up because of personal problems.

They reached the final of the world doubles championship in Bangalore, India, last month.

But after claiming the opening set in convincing fashion the Indian pair made too many unforced errors and were made to pay heavily.

Cowan and Navarra grew in confidence after saving two match points and won the second set on a tie-break.

The third and decisive set was quickly wrapped up and this was their biggest victory achieved together.

Cowan and Navarra will play top-seeded brothers Wayne and Byron Black of Zimbabwe for the title on Sunday.