Fenesta Open: Shanker Heisnam falters at final hurdle
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 05 2024:
Shanker Heisnam went down fighting against Karnataka's Aradhya Kshitij in the boys U-18 singles final of the 29th Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship in New Delhi on Saturday.
It was a close contest as Shanker lost 7-5, 5-7, 4-6 to Kannadiga opponent in their summit clash.
Throughout the tournament, Shanker showed his mettle by defeating five opponents on his way to the final.
His journey began with a solid 6-0, 6-4 victory over Gauransh Sood, followed by a 6-2, 6-3 win against Trishant Reddy Dandu in the second round.
In the third round, Shanker outclassed Jatin Nain 6-2, 6-1 to secure his place in the quarterfinals, where he faced a tough challenge from Aashravya Mehta and emerged victorious after a gruelling match that ended 7-6(2), 6-7(8), 6-0 .
His semifinal encounter against Varun Verma saw him progress to the final, with Varun retiring due to injury when Shanker was leading 7-6(3), 2-1 .