India's [ Images ] Leander Paes [ Images ] and Martin Damm [ Images ] of the Czech Republic got through a tricky second round encounter at the Australian Open [ Images ] to stay on course for a potential showdown with Mahesh Bhupathi [ Images ] and Wesley Moodie [ Images ] in the pre-quarterfinal in Melbourne [ Images ].

Paes and Damm, seeded seventh, overcame a staunch challenge from the Czech pair of Lukas Dlouhy [ Images ] and Pavel Vizner to win 7-5, 6-3 at the Melbourne Park on Friday.

Paes-Damm will play the winner of the match between Bhupathi-Moodie and Arnaud Clement-Michael Llodra from France [ Images ].

Bhupathi made a successful start in the mixed doubles, teaming up with former world number one Martina Hingis [ Images ] beat Yeu-Tzuoo Wang and Na Li 6-2, 6-2 in the first round.