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Watson takes tennis gold

Photo: Vivek Bendre

ON SONG: Heather Watson dominated Kyra Shroff in the women’s singles tennis final at the Commonwealth Youth Games. —

PUNE: Kyra Shroff’s dreams of winning gold were shattered by the big-serving Heather Watson of Guernsey, who outplayed the Indian 6-1, 6-2 in the 59-minute women’s singles tennis final of the third Commonwealth Youth Games at the Shiv Chatrapathi Sports Complex, here on Sunday.

The 16-year-old Shroff was troubled by Watson right from the word go with her big serve, one of which touched 146 kmph and the former was not helped by her poor returning. Doubling the misery for Shroff was the ease with which Watson produced a stunning mix of cross-court returns from the baseline.

Watson was in no mood to relent, in the face of crowd support for the Indian. The few times Shroff engaged her opponent in baseline duels, Watson rose to the occasion. Shroff had only herself to blame; she had a staggering 30 unforced errors, against just 12 by Watson.

Watson consistently served big, averaging around 145kmph right through — she served seven aces in all.

She wrapped up the first set with couple of big serves, including one at 160 kmph, in just 26 minutes.

The script was no different in the second set as Watson continued to dominate. Shroff continued to be erratic with her returns even as her opponent was punishing her with her first serve.

Shroff managed two games in the second set thanks to her first serve coming good.

But overall, it was the superior all-court game of Watson that saw her through and a 162 kmph ace at match point was a fitting finale to her complete domination.

“I gave my best and it still was not enough,” Shroff said. “Heather played a much better game and was a deserving winner,” she added.

Earlier, Yuki Bhambri defeated Logan Mackenzie of New Zealand 6-4, 6-2 to win the men’s singles bronze.

However, Poojashree Venkatesh had to pull out of the women’s singles bronze medal match against Monica Wejnert of Australia, trailing 0-4 in the first set, due to a shoulder injury.

“It has been troubling her for the last three days and it was very unfortunate,” coach Nandan Bal said.

India finished with three silver and a bronze in tennis.

Other result: Men’s singles final: Finn Tearney (NZ) bt Hendrik Coertzen (RSA) 6-4, 6-2.

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