Gaurav Walia, Shraddha Dali emerge champs

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

Walia overcame a late challenge to beat number four Yash Deshmukh of Pune 6-3, 7-5 in the boys final that lasted almost two hours.

In contrast, Dali dismissed second seed Sayali Bhilare 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 set to seal the match.

''Playing after six months, I got off to a decent start though I fumbled a bit with poor footwork,'' he explained.

''Yash played well in the second set, but I was surprised when he squandered 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 especially after just completing my exams. I am going to treat it like my girlfriend,'' he added.

Playing after almost seven months, a confident Dali 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 had met in the recent past.

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

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 Zenith laptops, Titan wrist watches and Fastrack 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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