Prakash Amritraj wins his first ITF Futures title

Chandigarh, June 2 (UNI) US born Indian Prakash Amritraj defeated top seeded Karan Rastogi in straight sets 7-6 (5), 6-1 in one hour and 46 minutes in the SAIL ,000 ITF Men Futures Tennis Tournament at the Centre Court at the Sector 10 CLTA Stadium here today.

International golfer Irina Brar distributed the prizes. Prakash was presented a cheque of $ 1300 and a trophy. With this triumph Prakash earned 18 points. Rastogi got $ 900 and a trophy. The runner-up position gave Rastogi 12 points.

1.82 centimetre tall Encino (California, USA) born Prakash, with his booming and kicking service, fired eight aces, including two in the second set. Son of legendary former tennis player Vijay Amritraj, Prakash also committed five double faults.

Karan Rastogi also executed his ground strokes well. However, Rastogi was not given much liberty to execute his strong passing shots. Rastogi struggled especially with his first serve. He committed four double faults.

Four breaks were witnessed in the first set. After surving break in the fourth game, Rastogi broke Prakash in the fifth game. Prakash saved two break points before returning a shot long to be broken and Rastogi taking 3-2 lead.

Playing an aggressive game, Prakash broke Rastogi in the 10th game to make it 5-all. Rastogi hit back and broke Prakash in the 11th game to take 6-5 lead. Prakash was 30-0 up. Rastogi was lucky to get one point as his return struck the netcord and crossed over the net. Then a double fault by Prakash made it 30-all. Rastogi managed to broke his opponent in this game.

Cheering by his cousin Stephen Amritraj, Prakash hit back and broke his rival in the 12th game for 6-all tie. Tie-breaker rule was applied to resolve the deadlock. At one stage it was 5-all before Prakash Amritraj clinched it at 7-5.

Prakash played his natural aggressive game in the second set.

Hitting his strokes and volleys with power, he broke Karan Rastogi in the first, third and seventh games to win the second set with ease.

Delighted after winning the title, 817th ranked and unseeded here, Prakash Amritraj said "I have been playing bigger tournaments, like Challengers and ATP Tours. However, it is my first ITF Futures title. Coming to tournament is different, pressure is always there however, ranking and seedings do not matter much if you play your tennis." Result. Singles (final): Prakash Amritraj bt Karan Rastogi 7-6 (5), 6-1. Time 1hr 46 minutes.

UNI