DEC 28: After all the excitement, entertainment and quality tennis, Harsh Mankad-Syed Fazaluddin final will go into the second day. Harsh is leading 3-6, 6-4, 4-2 (30-30 on Fazal's serve) when sharp showers stopped play with Harsh having the upperhand in the IndianOil-Servo All India Tennis Tournament at KTC, Kotivakkam, here on Thursday. The match will resume at 12 noon tomorrow.The final started on time despite gloomy weather. After Fazaluddin held his serve to make it 1-1, drizzling got stronger and play was suspended. It took another hour and half to start after the mopping operations.Fazal came out strong after the resumption, breaking Harsh thrice albeit losing serve once to take the first set with powerful groundstrokes and looked in control throughout.Harsh broke him in the first game of the second set with a string of winners which included a half volley and forehand crosscourt winner. Harsh got one more break as Fazal played a few loose games.There were plenty of long rallies with both of them trying to outmanoeuvre each another. Every point was well fought and the moderate crowd enjoyed the match which produced sizzling shots from both.Fazaluddin after looking out in the second set made it 4-5 with some hard hitting from the baseline. He charged the net when Harsh was serving for the set, making a brilliant lunging volley. Harsh double-faulted at set point but showed guts and determination, coming up with big serves to make it level with his third set point.There was a shift of momentum in the third set with Harsh getting fresh energy while Fazal looked stiff, committing unforced errors. Harsh broke him in the first game of the third set with a forehand crosscourt winner on the line.Harsh looked stronger and long rallies turned his way. At 4-0 with two breaks Fazal's task was cut out. However, Fazal who is able to raise his level at critical moments, used the chip and charge tactics to put pressure on Harsh in the sixth game. And, the Maharashtrian succumbed as Fazal came with deep volleys and accurate passes.Rain started pouring at 2-4 on Fazal's serve (30-30) when play was suspended for tomorrow.``It was a quality final. I enjoyed watching the match. Harsh Mankad has improved and has good potential,'' said Indian Number One Leander Paes, whose exhibition doubles encounter could not take off because of rain.
