Prakash Amritraj proved a point or two by taming Davis Cupper Karan Rastogi 7-6 (5), 6-1 to claim the singles title in the USD 10,000 SAIL-ITF Futures men's tennis tournament in Chandigarh on Saturday.
Amritraj, 23, relied on his trusted serve and volley style to decimate top seeded Rastogi for his maiden title at this level.
"I am playing in higher level of tournaments and I am delighted with the triumph," Amritraj said.
"It was tough match but as long as you play your tennis, ranking and seedings do not matter much.
"I skipped doubles as I wanted to focus on singles."
The US-settled Indian, son former Davis Cupper Vijay, was richer by USD 1300 and also earned 18 ITF points.
Rastogi pocketed USD 900 and 12 points.
Amritraj, whose ranking has slipped after a five-month lay-off last year and another lengthy injury time-out this year, committed five double-faults but was still confident enough to slam eight aces.
For 21-year-old Rastogi, who got the Davis Cup cap in Amritraj's absence, the defeat was a humbling experience. Rastogi, ranked 398th, excelled in patches and committed four double faults.
Amritraj took the first set with a break in the third game in which he cranked up two aces.
He was unstoppable in the second set, breaking his rival in the first, third and seventh games.
Rastogi could have broken Prakash in the fourth game. However, Amritraj managed to hold serve after two deuce points.
In the seventh game, Rastogi made a double fault and a backhand volley into the net ended his chances.
© 2024 Rediff.com -