Darsh Pai, Tithee Bhoomkar and Vidhi Naik are in contention for double crown as the trio stormed into the U-18 and U-14 finals at the ongoing 1st TNS Jewellers Panjim Gymkhana all-Goa tennis tournament organised under the aegis of Goa State Tennis Association.
Darsh Pai, who trains at Salvador do Mundo under the guidance of coach Deepak Nahak, blanked Arhan Gaonkar 6-0 in U-14 semi-final. The Porvorim-based lad then brushed off the challenge from a tall Kabir Gadre 6-2 to make it to the U-18 title clash where he will lock horns with Gauraang Phutankar, who beat Krishna Volvoikar 6-1 in the semi-final. Darsh will play the first of his finals, which is the U14 event later today, against Vivaan Agarwal – who beat Kyan Mavani 6-3 in the semis.
Over in the girls U-14 last-four stage, Tithee Bhoomkar proved too good for Ahana Kumar in the 6-0 romp into the final. In the other semis, Vidhi Naik had to work hard for a 6-4 win against Gargi Oak. Tithee and Vidhi have also booked a face-off in the U-18 title clash.
Meanwhile, the men’s singles semi-finals showdown will be the most exciting action to look forward to today evening with Tejas Shevde taking on Nagesh Naik before Suraj Sadanah battles Santosh Gorawar, at Panjim Gymkhana tennis courts at 7pm.
Earlier today, Sameer Kakodkar and Sandeep Verlekar made it to the final of 55+ doubles event. They beat Gurudas Lotlikar and Avinash Raiturkar pairing 6-1; 6-0.
Results: 45+ Singles (Semis): Mano Chhabra beat Ashwin Chandiok 6-4; 6-2, Richard beat Manoj 6-3; 2-6; 10-7 (super tiebreaker). Mixed Doubles (Semis): Bulu/ Tanya beat Prajat/ Tashina 4-0; 4-1 (best of 3 mini sets), Santosh/ Archana beat Prithvi/ Atika 4-2; 4-1 (best of 3 mini sets). 45+ Doubles (Semis): Sachin/ Kevin beat Anupam/ Rakesh 6-1; 6-0. Men’s Doubles (QF): Sachin/ Raju beat Bhalchandra/ Ganesh 6-2.
