SEJAL Bhutada and Akshat Dakshindas clinched the Under-14 and Under-12 titles by defeating their respective rivals in the Nagpur District Hardcourt Tennis Association organised Home Tournament at its Ram Nagar Tennis Academy. In the Under-14 final, Bhutada defeated Dakshindas in the straight sets 4-2, 4-2 to clinch the title.

 

Dakshindas despite losing the Under-14 final, regained his composure and managed to win the Under-12 crown. In the final, he rallied to beat Daksh Patil. He lost the first set 1-4 but came back strongly to win the second set in tie-breaker 4-3 (7-5). He won comfortably the final set 10-7. Patil won the heart of the spectators with his aggressive shot and Akshat won the honours due to his patience and perseverance. Vijay Naidu, Treasurer, NDHTA, was the chief guest of the prize distribution function. He congratulated NDHTA coaches for their efforts and teamwork in organising the first-ever home tournament.

 

The organisers will be conducting another tournament in February in two different categories, it was announced. Results: Under-14 quarter-final: Akshat Dakshindas bt Devagya Madan 6-0. Under-14 semi-final: Sejal Bhutada bt Path Rai 8-1; Akshat Dakshindas bt Daksh Patil 8-4; Under-14 final: Sejal Bhutada bt Akshat Dakshindas 4-2, 4-2. Under-12 semi-final: Akshat Dakshindas bt Mehul Fulzele 8-0; Daksh Patil bt Parth Rai 8-5. Under-12 final: Akshat Dakshindas bt Daksh Patil 1-4, 4-3 (7-5) 10-7.