S Wawrinka

'The weather is like Kodai or Ooty it's so cool,'' said a spectator rushing into the Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium. Indeed it was as unseasonal rain sent the mercury level dipping but also played havoc with the tennis on quarter-finals' day at the $400,000 Aircel Chennai Open.

When play finally started at 9 pm four hours behind schedule, Stanislas Wawrinka quelled the challenge of German Michael Berrer 7-6 (5), 6-4 to enter the semi-finals.

The Swiss was unfazed by the long interruption. "On the Tour we are used to rain delays. It's part and parcel of the job.''

Janko Tipsarevicu00a0 defeated Dutchman Thiemo de Bakkeru00a0 7-5 7-5 on an outside court.

The Indian Davis Cup team which entered the 16-nation World Group for the first time since 1998 have been rewarded by the team sponsors. Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna, who scripted singles victories in the playoffs against South Africa in Johannesburg in September, will each be awarded Rs. 2.5 lakh by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).