Ningbo Challenger: Prajnesh finishes runner-up

Goes down in three sets to Italy’s Thomas Fabbiano in the final.

File Photo: Prajnesh Gunneswaran gained 65 rankings points for his runner-up finish.

Third seed Thomas Fabbiano of Italy managed to push ahead of seventh seed Prajnesh Gunneswaran 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3 in the final of the $150,000 Challenger tennis tournament here on Sunday.

Prajnesh fired 10 aces and won 75% points on his first serve. However, he failed to capitalise on his chances, converting only one of 16 breakpoints.

The Italian also converted one of seven breakpoints, but had won the crucial first set in the tie-break.

The title was worth 110 ATP points and $21,600. Prajnesh collected 65 points and $12,720.

In the doubles final of the Challenger in Ismaning, Germany, top seeds Purav Raja and Antonio Sancic of Croatia, bounced back after losing the first set to beat second seeds Rameez Junaid and David Pel 10-5 in the super tie-break.

It was the second Challenger doubles title of the season for Purav Raja, who had won the Istanbul Challenger with Junaid.

The results: $150,000 Challenger: Ningbo (China): Final: Thomas Fabbiano (Ita) bt Prajnesh Gunneswaran 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3.

€43,000 Challenger men, Ismaning (Germany): Doubles: Final: Antonio Sancic (Cro) & Purav Raja bt Rameez Junaid (Aus) & David Pel (Ned) 5-7, 6-4, [10-5].