Karan Singh survives three match points to emerge national champion

Karan Singh rose from the ashes like the phoenix as he survived three match points to pull the rug from under the feet of Udit Gogoi for a 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(3) victory in the boys final of the Fenesta National sub-junior tennis championship at the DLTA Complex on Saturday.

in a gripping contest that spanned more than three hours, the highly competitive small bundle of energy Udit was on the door step of victory, as Karan faced three match points at 4-5, 0-40 in the decider.

Udit had even said his prayer, thanked God by touching the ground, before getting ready for the next point. The strongly built Karan, who is coached by his father In Karnal, unleashed some of the most spell binding tennis thereafter to turn the match on its head.

Even though he can play high quality, Karan can often lose his way as he struggles to retain his level of game. But, pushed to the wall, he can really make his game spring to life.

The defeat apart, it was an amazing performance by the athletic Udit, who trains with coach Aditya Sachdeva at the Team Tennis Centre. He had reached the final last week in the under-18 championship. He had also played the doubles final of the under-18 and under-16 events over the fortnight.

In the under-16 girls final, Reshma Maruri was like a dancer on her feet and stroked with punch to quell the challenge from Pari Singh 7-5, 6-1. Davis Cup team coach Zeeshan Ali, who coaches Reshma in Bengaluru, was on hand to watch her in action, and at the presentation party to honour the players.

In fact, the national women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal was at the venue to be the chief guest, but had to leave, to attend to a meeting. The organisers were thoughtful in requesting Zeeshan to inspire the players with his presence. Rani returned later to talk to the finalists and have a photo session.

Aayush Bhat recovered after losing the first set to beat Agriya Yadav, while Pavitra Parikh handled the crafty Shruti Ahlawat, who served under arm most of the time owing to a foot injury, to emerge the boys and girls champions in the under-14 section.

The Joint Managing Director of the DCM Shriram Group, Ajit Shriram, congratulated the champions and sought suggestions from everyone to make the event better next year.

The results (finals):

Under-16 boys: Karan Singh bt Udit Gogoi 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(3).

Under-14 boys: Aayush Bhat bt Agriya Yadav 3-6, 6-1, 6-0.

Under-16 girls: Reshma Maruri bt Pari Singh 7-5, 6-1.

Under-14 girls: Pavitra Parikh bt Shruti Ahlawat 6-1, 6-4.

Doubles: Pari Singh & Shruti Ahlawat bt Ikaraju Kanumuri & Pushi Laddha 6-0, 6-1.

(Courtesy: The Hindu)