Borgula wins battle of Slovaks

AHMEDABAD, JAN 23: They were like Paes from the same pod. But the one that was fresh got picked. The Slovaks -- third seed Boris Borgula ...

AHMEDABAD, JAN 23: They were like Paes from the same pod. But the one that was fresh got picked. The Slovaks — third seed Boris Borgula and qualifier Filip Kaskak — are clubmates, travelling mates and even have a similar pattern of play. The only variance was the qualifier’s stale factor and that made the difference in the final of the Gold Flake Aces ITF Futures’ Tennis title at AGETA courts here today.

As Kaskak’s journey through the grind took it’s toll, the less exposed Borgula shone to take his first major title with a 6-4, 6-3 victory in the final of the second-leg event on the Futures circuit. On a more personal level, this was Borgula’s first win over Kaskak since the last twelve years they have played each other.

The first set was a bizarre affair, service advantage was unheard off and breaks became almost an every-game affair. Out of the ten games played in the first set just three saw serves being held.

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Borgula was broken in his first service game. After surviving four break points, thethird seed failed to reach a Kaskak forehand cross court on the fifth and it was 1-0. The next break came in the third game as Kaskak beautifully disguised lob had Borgula stranded at the net.

A confirmed slow starter, Borgula was in his stride in the fourth game. The poor serving syndrome proved contagious as Kaskak now was diagnosed the same. Borgula opened his account on his first breaking opportunity and a Kaskak unforced error made the score 3-1.

The early energy burst backfired for Kaskak. As Borgula played solid, Kaskak became error prone. Score were tied at 3-3 with Borgula holding his serve at love and then breaking his rival at love.

The tired qualifier now went for the broke to shorten the rallies. The low percentage big shots meant more mistakes and the solid Kaskak was now crumbling. He lost his service twice but broke back once to trail at 5-6. In the 10th game, Kaskak faltered after leading 40-0 on his serve. A simple miss at the net and a ball that flew off after hitting his racket framesave Borgula take the first set at 6-4.

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Not disheartened, Kaskak raised his game again. As Borgula was broken in his second service game, Kaskak took a 3-1 lead. With fuel exhausted that proved to be the flame’s last bright flicker. Borgula now just kept the ball and the rest was taken care by Kaskak. The third seed took four games in a row to win the title and pocket $ 1300 and 12 ATP points while qualifer Kaskad secured 8 points and $ 900.

The Americans proved better than the Canadians in the doubles final. The pair Todd Meringoff & Andrew Rueb defeated Simon Larose & Joecelyn Roubichaud 7-6 (5), 6-3 to take the title.

RESULTS

Singles: Boris Borgula (Slovakia) bt Filip Kaskak 6-4, 6-3.

Doubles: Todd Meringoff & Andrew Rueb bt Simon Larose & Joecelyn Roubichaud 7-6 (5), 6-3.

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