Date:23/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/23/stories/2008032355951600.htm

Sport - Tennis

Thompson claims title

Special Correspondent

— Photo: Vivek Bendre

Nathan Thompson.

MUMBAI: Fourth seed American Nathan Thompson defeated compatriot Ryan Young, a qualifier, 6-1, 6-2 in the $10,000 ITF men’s Futures singles final on Saturday at the Ranade Tennis Centre hardcourt to bag $1,300 and 12 ATP points.

Young moved up from the qualifying rounds to the final, but the exertions took their toll on his body. He finished runner-up and richer by $900 and eight points.

Indians bag doubles

Indians Rohan Gajjar and Purav Raja teamed up to clinch the doubles title beating compatriots Harsh Mankad and Ranjeet Virali-Murugesan 6-3, 6-1.

The Americans, playing against each other in the competition for the first time, train under Robert Davis in Bangkok. Thompson’s heavy forehands and court mobility gave him the edge over Young, who was playing in his first Futures final. The latter broke his friend in the first game at love, then found himself at the receiving end as Thompson broke back to win the next 10 games in succession.

Young, weakened by diarrhoea, was playing his seventh match in as many days at Mumbai. He hit long balls but found it tough to keep Thompson away from winning points, once the fourth seed began angling returns and following up with winners. The qualifier also ended up with seven double-faults, the champion had none.

The results (finals): Singles: Nathan Thompson (USA) bt Ryan Young (USA) 6-1, 6-2.

Doubles: Rohan Gajjar / Purav Raja bt Harsh Mankad / Ranjeet Virali-Murugesan 6-3, 6-1.