Fazal upsets Srinath for title

CHANDIGARH, January 9: Unranked Syed Fazaluddin claimed his first Satellite title today when he defeated his doubles partner and friend Prah...

CHANDIGARH, January 9: Unranked Syed Fazaluddin claimed his first Satellite title today when he defeated his doubles partner and friend Prahlad Srinath in the all-Indians singles final of the $ 10,000 Escort Yamaha ITF Men’s Future Tennis Circuit (2nd leg) at the CLTA centre court in Sector 10 here.

Qualifier Fazaluddin carved out a well-earned 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory and was presented a cheque $ 1300. This victory also earned him 12 vital ATP points. Srinath got $ 900 as prize money and nine ATP points for being the runner-up.

Marcus Hilpert of Germany and

Todd Meringoff of USA wasted six matchpoints before defeating top seeded Ali Hamadeh of Lebon and Andrew Rueb of USA 6-3, 6-4 in the doubles final. The winners shared $ 630 and got 12 ATP points.

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Srinath was seen repeatedly rubbing his stomach after the fourth game of the second set. He had torn his stomach muscle in September last in Thailand.

Fazaluddin and Srinath will now play in the third leg at Indore on claycourts. Both love hardcourts. With his outstanding performance in the second leg, Fazaluddin is hoping to get wild card in the main draw.

Srinath, the only Indian to get direct entry into the main draw for his 611th ATP ranking, faced two breakpoints at 15-40 in the first game of the first set. He, however, levelled the score and deuce was called twice before Fazaluddin broke him. The sixth and seventh games were hotly contested.

Fazaluddin faced breakpoint at 30-40 but managed to retain serve after two advantages. Srinath struggled in the seventh game. After deuce was called five times and having three advantages Srinath held his serve. Fazaluddin, however, won the set 6-4.

Results (all finals)

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Singles: Syd Fazaluddin (India) bt Prahlad Srinath (India) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.
Doubles: Marcus Hilpert (Germany) and Todd Meringoff (USA) bt Andrew Rueb (USA) and ali Hamadeh (Lebnon) 6-3, 6-4.