Gaurav Walia, Shraddha Dali emerge champions

Mumbai, May 5 (UNI) Boys third seed Gaurav Walia and girls number one Shraddha Dali fashioned convincing victories to emerge champions today in the TCS-Bombay Gymkhana All India National Ranking Championship Series Junior Tennis Tournament.

Walia overcame a late challenge to beat number four Yash Deshmukh of Pune 6-3, 7-5 in final that lasted almost two hours, but Dali dismissed second seed Sayali Bhilare, also of Pune, 6-3, 6-0 in 70 minutes.

Walia got off to a good start, earning two service breaks in the opening set and rallied from 1-4 in an exciting second to seal the set and match.

'' Playing after six months, I got off to a decent start though I fumbled a bit with poor footwork,'' explained Walia. '' Yash played well in the second set, but I was surprised when he squandered away a 4-1 lead. I took my chances and played my natural game. And it worked. My eye was on the laptop for the winner and I was determined to lay my hands on it after completing my exams.'' A confident Dali, though playing after almost seven months, overcame a poor service game in the girls final to live up to her top billing, against an opponent she has beaten on every occasion they have met in the recent past.

'' The first set was difficult until 3-all. I wasn't happy with my service. Though Sayali's serves, forehands and volleys were good, I capitalised on her weak backhand,'' she explained.

Suraj Desai and Urvaksh Anklesaria of Gujarat claimed the boys doubles crown following a hard fought 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) victory over Aroon Khattar and Yash Deshmukh.

The winners were presented laptops, wrist watches and sunglasses.

Results (Finals): Boys: 3-Gaurav Walia (Mah) bt 4-Yash Deshmukh (Pune, Mah) 6-3, 7-5.

Doubles: Suraj Desai/Urvaksh Anklesaria bt Aroon Khattar/Yash Deshmukh 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).

Girls: 1-Shraddha Dali (Mah) bt 2-Sayali Bhilare (Pune, Mah) 6-3, 6-0.

Doubles: 2-Sayali Bhilare/Pooja Patel bt 1-Kahini Dalal/Shraddha Dali 6-4, 6-4.

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