Yuki proves his dominance

ITF Men’s Futures US$-15,000 Tennis Tournament

February-2017 at CLTA, Chandigarh

Yuki proves his dominance

CLTA, Chandigarh, February 16, 2017               

India’s Davis Cup mainstay Yuki Bhambri displayed the kind of form that saw him spearhead India’s victory against New Zealand just a fortnight ago, as he sidelines home hope Sanam Singh 6-1, 6-3 in the quarters to earn his semifinal berth.

In a riveting display of power tennis, Bhambri was just too powerful off both flanks for Sanam to dent his repertoire. Bhambri justified his top  seed status with ease to show just why he is rated as one of the best singles palyers that India has. However, Sanam came back strongly in the doubles to earn a spot in the finals with his partner N. Vijay Sundar Prashanth.

It was a day of upsets at the ITF $ 15,000 tournament at the CLTA Complex on Thursday as third seed Vishnu Vardhan and fourth seed Sasi Kumar Mukund both bowed out to superior opposition. Vardhan has a really bad day at office as he failed to turn on his A game and was found wanting when it came to finish off his volleys. Seventh seed Siddharth Rawat kept his cool to unravel the more accomplished player 7-5, 6-2.

In another remarkable upset, Haadin Bava played at a level that has hitherto eluded him to register a facile 6-1, 6-1 win against Mukund. Bava was powerful from the baseline as he churned out consistent high top spin to earn his maiden singles semifinal at this level.

Bringing cheer to the home crowd, Sanam and partner downed the young pair of Adil Kalyanpuri and Mukund to earn their finals berth. Sanam is far removed from the flight-footed and consistent player that he was in the past but the finals berth is sure to give him a confidence boost headed into the year. Given that this was his first tournament this year, he has certainly put in a credible display.

Singles semifinals begin at 10 am on Friday followed by the doubles final.

Main Draw Singles Quarters

1. Yuki Bhambri (Ind) [1] bt. Sanam Singh (Ind) 6-1 6-3
2. Sidharth Rawat (Ind) [7] bt. Vishnu Vardhan (Ind) [3] 7-5 6-2
3. Haadin Bava (Ind) bt. Sasi Kumar Mukund (Ind) [4] 6-1 6-1
4. N. Sriram Balaji (Ind) [2] bt. Siddharth Vishwakarma (Ind) 7-6(4) 6-3

Main Draw Doubles Semis

1. Pirmin Haenle (Ger) / Shane Vinsant (Usa) bt. Mateusz Terczynski (Pol) / Jose Fco. Vidal Azorin (Esp) 4-6 6-4 [10-8]
2. N. Vijay Sundar Prashanth (Ind) / Sanam Singh (Ind) [2] bt. Adil Kalyanpur (Ind) / Sasi Kumar Mukund (Ind) 7-5 6-2