Verma, Reddy win as rain plays spoilsport

Chandigarh, Jan 8 (UNI) Rain upset second day's programme in the India ITF Junior (Grade 3) Tennis Tournament at the CLTA Stadium in Sector 10 here today.

Due to intermittent rain only four matches in the boys second round could be finished. Four matches remained unfinished and will resume tomorrow.

After waiting till 1800 hrs, ITF referee Joy Mukherjee postoned the remaining schedule for tomorrow.

Playing at the home ground wild card and 13th seeded Parul Verma of Chandigarh, who got a first-round bye, rallied to defeat Appanervanda Muddappa in three sets 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 in the second-round match.

Unseeded Akash Wagh pulled off a mild upset as he defeated 15th seed Ronak Manuja in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.

Top seed B Vikram Reddy, who will be completing 18 years on January 26, found two years younger to him Kunal Anand a tough customer.

Kunan stunned Reddy by winning the first set at 7-5. However, Reddy hit back and claimed the next two sets at 7-5, 6-3.

Third seeded Sudanwa Sitaram, receiver of first-round bye in the draw of 64, had an easy second round against Kartik Sai whom he beat in straight sets at 6-0, 6-1.

Results: Boys Under-18 singles (2nd round): B Vikram Reddy (Ind) bt Kunal Anand (Ind) 5-7, 7-5, 6-3, Parul Verma (Ind) bt Appanervanda Muddappa (Ind) 2-6, 6-4, 7-5, Sudanwa Sitaram (Ind) bt Kartik Sai (Ind) 6-0, 6-1, Aakash Wagh (Ind) bt Ronak Manuja (Ind) 6-3, 6-4.

UNI XC PS MMS1857