Jai ousts Mandar

Presently being trained at the MSLTA coaching scheme, the 11th standard commerce student of Sydenhah College, Mumbai outplayed Pune8217;s second seed Mandar Wakankar in a grulling three setter 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 played over two hours.

He now meets the top seed and favorite Kedar Shah of Pune in the final, which will decide among the two for the best player in the State. Though, Jai will be playing Kedar for the first time, he, however, expected the match to be a close encounter. Kedar, who is in good form after his impressive run in the two ITF tournaments played at Delhi and Chandigarh recently, had an easy outing, defeating the third seed Abhijit Mujumdar of Mumbai 6-2, 6-2 in the other semi-final.

Jai had to struggled to get back his rhythm as he was unable to held his serve in the first set. Though, he too managed to broke Mandar in the fourth and sixth game, but it was too late for Jai to make an impact. However, the second set was a treat to watch, as reverse of the first was seen. Jai recollected all his strength, breaking the second seed in the first, third and fifth game to win 6-3. But the decider turned out to be a one sided with not much of challenge was forfeited by the Pune lad. He looked tired and played more of spin and deep shots, while Jai played it safe keeping the ball just on court. The results came fast with Jai winning the set and match.

Results Prefix denotes seedings
Boys u-16 S/F: Abedin Sham Mumbai bt Siddharth Desai Pune 6-3, 6-1; 1. Abhishek Tamhane Pune bt 4. Aniket Joglekar Pune 6-1, 6-7 7-5, 6-0.
u-18: 1. Kedar Shah Pune bt Abhijit Muzumdar Mumbai 6-2, 6-2; Jai Arora Mumbai bt 2. Mandar Wakankar Pune 2-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Girls u-16: 1. Noopur Desai Pune bt 4. Avanti Sulakhe Pune 6-2, 6-1; 3. Ashlesha Lokhande Pune bt Vrushali Gawankar Pune 6-4, 6-2.