Radhika Tulpule just two good

In the 11th game, Sai botched up all the returns of serves and lost 7-5. Radhika earned Rs 26,000 and 25 AITA points for her efforts while Sai made Rs 18,000 and 20 points.

Fazaluddin broke Kannan in the fifth game of the first set and kept the lead. In the second set, Kannan was broken in the third game itself. He started the game with a big ace but failed to keep up the pressure. With the match poised at 3-5 in Fazaluddin’s favour, Kannan gifted him with a match point by sending down a double fault.

Fazal failed to capitalise this break as Kannan served a lovely angled first serve which left the Calcutta lad stranded.

The second match point came in the next game itself. This time, Fazaluddin did not commit any mistake and smashed away a good lob by Kannan to pocket the match. Fazaluddin ended with Rs 39,000 while Kannan had to be content with Rs 27,000.

Defending champions and top seeds Saurav Panja of West Bengal and Nitin Kirtane of Maharashtra retained their title by beating Vishal Uppal of Delhi and Mustafa Ghouse of Maharashtra, the second seeds, 6 4 6-2. Ghouse, who otherwise was serving well, was broken in the ninth game of the first set. The set was closed by an excellent forehand down the line volley by Kirtane. Overall better court coverage of Kirtane and Panja proved to be the winning factor.

The first game of second set belonged to Panja as he more or less single handedly demolished Uppal’s serves with great forehand shots. Kirtane then kept his serve to go up 2-0. In the seventh game, Ghouse lost his serve to the right handed Panja and left-handed Kirtane combination who lead by 5-2 margin. Kirtane then kept his serve at 40-15. The match lasted exactly 61 minutes.

Final results (sedings in prefix)

Men’s singles (final): 1-Syed Fazaluddin (WB) bt 3-Vijay Kannan (DLI) 6-4 6-4

Women’s singles: 6-Radhika Tulpule (Mah) bt 1-Sai Jayalakshmy (TN) 6-4 3-6 7-5

Men’s doubles: 2-Saurav Panja (WB)/Nitin Kirtane (Mah) bt Vishaal Uppal (Dli)/Mustafa Ghouse (Mah) 6-4 6-2.