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

Paes and Damm, seeded seventh, overcame a staunch challenge from the Czech pair of Lukas Dlouhy 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.

• Complete tennis coverage
• All you want to know about Sania Mirza