Somdev Devvarman withdraws from Chennai Open

Chennai: Indian ace tennis star Somdev Devvarman on Monday pulled out of the Aircel Chennai Open because of a recurring shoulder injury.

"With great disappointment, I have to inform the fans and organisers of the Aircel Chennai Open 2012 that due to a recurring shoulder injury I will not be able to participate in this year's event," Somdev said.

"Keeping the Australian Open in mind, my doctors have advised me to take this decision. I wish the tournament all the success and look forward to be back next year -- fitter and stronger."

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According to a release by the organisers, Edouard Roger-Vasselin from France will replace Somdev in the singles field and will play against countryman Prodon.

Roger-Vasselin finds a place in the main draw as a lucky loser in the qualifiers where he lost to Japanese Go Soeda 4-6, 6-7(5).

In the singles draw, Somdev was scheduled to play against Frenchman Eric Prodon, while in the doubles competition, he and his partner Treat Conrad Huey were pitted against the third-seeded pair of India's leading doubles player Leander Paes and Janko Tipsarevic, the World No. 9 and top seeded singles player in Aircel Chennai Open.