ITF Junior 2023 J30 Bengaluru: Chandan Shocks Top Seeded Pawar, Enters ITF Junior Final

Bengaluru, Sep 8: Chandan Shivaraj pulled off a glorious victory against the top-seeded Sehaj Singh Pawar on Friday (September 8), setting up the final match against Aradhya Kshitij in the boys' category of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior 2023 J30 Bengaluru event.

The game played out on the main courts of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), saw a determined comeback from Chandan. After a shaky start and a loss in the first set, Chandan managed to regain his footing and secure a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win against Sehaj.

Given Chandan's current ITF rank of 1143, he was not favoured to win the match against Sehaj, who ranks 670 places higher on the ITF World Junior Tour. However, Chandan shifted the momentum during the second set and Sehaj's racquet string troubles added to his woes.

Chandan skilfully bagged the second set 6-3, leading up to a nail-biting deciding set where he held his nerve and emerged successful. On Saturday, September 9, Chandan will face Aradhya, who managed to oust Kevin Titus Suresh with a 6-2, 1-6, 7-5 score in the second semifinal. The winner will accumulate 30 ITF ranking points while the runner-up scoops 18.

In a parallel development, Amodini Naik from Karnataka marched into the girls' finals after defeating the formidable Saumrita Jagatdeo Verma 6-4, 6-3. Saumrita eyed another upset after eliminating the top seed Sai Janvi in the quarters, but Amodini proved a stern test for her. Both athletes wrestled with their serves during the first set with Amodini also battling strong wind conditions.

Despite the challenges, Amodini managed to clinch both sets by maintaining her composure and strategic play. In the final set, third-seeded Amodini will compete against sixth-seeded Laxmisri Dandu who triumphed over Saumya Ronde with a 6-0, 6-4 score.

Semifinal Results (seeds are denoted before the name)

Boys: Chandan Shivaraj won against (1) Sehaj Singh Pawar by 4-6, 6-3, 7-5; and Aradhya Kshitij beat Kevin Titus Suresh with a score of 6-2, 1-6, 7-5.

Girls: (3)Amodini Naik ousted Saumrita Jagatdeo Verma with a score of 6-4, 6-3; and (6)Laxmisri Dandu dismissed Saumya Ronde by 6-0, 6-4.