Wednesday, August 16 2006 11:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Mahesh Bhupathi and his American partner Justin Gimelstob survive a scare to advance to the second round of the USD 2,450,000 ATP Cincinnati Masters tournament here.

The Indo-US pair prevail in a marathon three-setter against the Czech pair of Tomas Berdych and Jaroslav Levinsky 7-5 4-6 11-9.

They now face sixth seeds Israeli combination of Jonathan Eerlich and Andy Ram, who are given a bye in the first round.

Leander Paes and his Czech partner Martin Damm; seeded seventh in the US Open series tournament, also enjoy a bye in the opening round. They have made it to the semifinals of the event in Toronto last week.

They will begin their campaign against the winners of the match between Lucas Dlouhy and Pavel Vizner of Czech Republic and South African Chris Haggard and Gael Monfils of France.