Delhi lad wins Australian Open boys' title

Melbourne, Jan 31: The sixteen-year-old Delhi lad Yuki Bhambhri has won Australian Open boys' title on Saturday, Jan 30 after beating German opponent Alexandros-Ferdinandos Georgoudas 6-3, 6-1 in the final of the Australian Open.

Though it was Yuki"s first encounter with his unseeded German opponent, he wraped up the contest in straight sets without showing any signs of nervousness. Yuki has become the third Indian junior to win a title after Ramesh Krishnan (French and Wimbledon junior champ in 1979) and Leander Paes (Wimbledon junior crown in 1990 and the US Open title in 1991).

After losing in last year's semi-final, Yuki reworked on his game to emerge as the champion this year. “I've been playing well and I definitely thought I could win here but now that I'm actually playing the final... it''s like a dream come true. Today's match was tough. It wasn't easy and the heat and humidity didn't make things easier but I'm quite happy with the way I've been playing," Yuki had said after his semi-final.

Year 2009 is proving to be good for the top seeded Yuki and he just enjoying the favourite slot. “It probably gives me extra motivation to do well in the tournament because I know I''m the favourite and probably one of the best right now in the world, so I''m actually enjoying it," said Yuki.

Apart from the initial nervousness in the beginning of the tournament, the road to the championship has seemed like a cakewalk for Yuki.“I think those were just initial nerves. The first match is always the most crucial. As the match progresses I feel more and more comfortable and it''s been the case here as well," said Yuki.

ANI