Maharashtra’s Sudipta Senthil Kumar played with plenty of grit and determination as she fought back to overcome Sandeepti Rao of Haryana 7-5, 7-6(3) in the girls’ singles final of the MSLTA – Yonex Sunrise 12th Ramesh Desai Memorial CCI All India Nationals Under-16 (boys & girls) Tennis Tournament 2018.
The Girl’s singles’ winner Sudipta Senthil Kumar (2nd left) of Mumbai and runner-up Sandeepti Rao of Haryana proudly pose with their trophies and certificates along with CCI President, Premal Udani (left), MSLTA President, Bharat Oza (right) during the prize distribution function of the MSLTA – CCI All India Nationals Under-16 (boys & girls) Tennis Tournament 2018.
The Mumbai-based Sudipta started shakily as the Haryana girl Sandeepti dictated terms and with three early breaks raced to a 5-1 lead. However, Sudipta despite trailing 2-5 showed no signs of panic and instead displayed a steely resolve as she managed and bounced back by winning five consecutive games to turn things around and take the first set in an hour an 9 minutes.
In the second she led 5-3, but seemed to have lost focus and allowed her rival to recover and force the tiebreaker. However, she regained her composure and won the tie-breaker 7-3 to win the set and clinch the girl’s singles crown.
Sudipta for her superb efforts earned 200 AITA ranking points each, while Sandeepti received 150 points.
The champions Sudipta and runner-up Sandeepti received their trophies and certificates from CCI President, Premal Udani and MSLTA President, Bharat Oza.
Results – Girls’ singles (finals): Sudipta Senthil Kumar (MH) bt Sandeepti Rao (HR) 7-5, 7-6(3).