Despite being penalized for 13 double faults, France's Sadio Doumbia put it across India's No. 8 seed Prajnesh Gunneswaran 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to win the men's singles title of the KPIT-MSLTA Challenger at the centre court of the Balewadi Sports Complex on Saturday.
The outcome of the final was an anti-climax to the admirable display of resources by the 26 year old Chennai based player. In keeping with his form in the previous four matches, Gunneswaran looked to be in control after closing out the opening set after three long and hard fought games.
Although he showed a wide repertoire of strokes from the baseline, Gunneswaran was found wanting in net play that his rival appeared to be more skillful. He had his chances to win the match straight, but the Frenchman rose to the occasion and won the second set effecting a brilliant drop shot.
Gunneswaran did not give up, but he made things difficult for himself committing mistakes. He did not get his first serves going his way and Doumbia making a quick break in the third set proceeded to win the total that fetched him 80 ATP points and $. 7200.
Men's doubles final: Purav Raja and Divij Sharan (India) bt. Luca Margaroli (Switzerland) and Hugo Nys (France) 3-6, 6-3, 11-9.
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