MIRAMAR: Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2021 witnessed new champion in the men’s and women’s categories as Praneeth Venugopal and Shreya Deshpande, respectively, won the prestigious singles events. The tournament was organised by Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in partnership with Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA) and Gadre Premium Seafood.
In a thrilling match against hot favourite, four-time winner and defending champion Tejas Shevde; Praneeth got the better of his rival 6-4, 3-6, 1-3 as Tejas retired due to cramps despite being in the lead.
With the tennis fans gathered on court one, Praneeth ran away with the first set 6-4 but could not sustain the momentum he had and lost the second set 3-6. Tejas looked threatening after taking the second set and pushed Praneeth all the way in the deciding third set. The final set went on to 1-3 in an abrupt end as Tejas retired and the result went in favor of Praneeth, who claimed his first Gadre Gaspar Dias Open title.
In the ladies singles category, Shreya took on Simran Bundela on the main court. All through the tournament Shreya was in sublime form and continued to show the same in the finals. Shreya and Simran went head to head in their quest for the trophy with Shreya taking the first set 7-5. In the final set of the game, Shreya put on a masterclass as she dismantled Simran 6-0 winning the title 7-5, 6-0.
Elsewhere, Tejas teamed up with his brother Nishad Shevde after seven years and yet went on to beat Suraj Bikkanawar-Praneeth Venugopal duo 7-6; 6-4 in men’s doubles.
Other results: Mixed Doubles – Amar Dariyanavar/Mukta Patil beat Santosh Gorawar/Simran Khan 6-3, 6-2; U-16 Boys: Ankit Batheja beat Saiel Gajinkar 6-2, 6-1; Girls: Shreya Deshpande won over Ritika Dawalkar 6-1, 6-1; U-12 Boys: Sarthak Gaikwad beat Arav Eshwar 4-1, 4-2; Girls: Ritika Dawalkar beat Jiya Khatri 4-0, 4-1.
Edwin de Menezes, Secretary, Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Rajesh Khaunte, President, Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Arjun Gadre, Owner, Gadre Groups, Rajendra Godinho, Secretary, Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA), gave away the trophies to the winners.
Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2021 had a record entries of over 500 across eight categories.
