Raipur: Ramkumar Ramnathan clinched his maiden ITF singles title as he recorded a come-from-behind victory over Duck Hee Lee in the summit clash of the USD 10,000 Futures tournament, here today.
The 19-year-old Chennai lad overcame the unseeded Korean 3-6 7-6(6) 6-4 in the fiercely-fought final at VIPS Club.
It was Ramkumar's third final of the career and second of the season.
He had lost to Canadian Steven Diez in Spain in June this year. Last year in December he lost to compatriot Sanam Singh in the Dharwad.
With his much improved show, Ramkumar has staked his claim for a wild card entry into Chennai Open, country's only ATP 250 event, starting next month.
Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) is set to award one wild card to Yuki Bhanbri and another to a player from the state.
Former national champion Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan, who won one title and ended runner-up in four others, is also a strong contender, according to a TNTA source.
Coimbatore player N Sriram Balaji, who won two singles title this season is also a contender.
"It's great feeling, winning this title. It means a lot since there was no one to guide me here. I have to thank my caches and family for their guidance and support," Ramkumar said.
Talking about the final against Lee, the Chennai youngster said,"I just tried to play my game, put lot of first serves in and make the points short. When he was serving for second set, I broke his rhythm and perhaps that was the turning point in his match."
Ramkumar said he may fly to Cambodia for his next event.
Vasanti wins girls singles title, Vidit misses out in boys
Vasanti wins girls singles title, Vidit misses out in boys
New Delhi: Vasanti Shinde capped her week brilliantly by winning the girls singles title but Vidit Vaghela had to be contend with a runner-up finish in the boys event as he lost the final of the ITF junior grade IV tournament, here today.
Left-handed and fifth seed came back from a set down to beat compatriot Vanshika Sawhney 4-6 6-1 6-2.
In the boys final, fifth seed Vidit made a good fight after losing the first set but eventually lost 1-6 6-7 (1) to top seed Japanese Nouchi Kennosuke.
It was double delight for Nouchi as he had on Friday won the doubles title with Ukranian Alexey Prokopchuk.
