Jitesh, Humera are tennis champions

Hyderabad: Boys’ fifth seed M. Sri Jitesh Swamy and girls’ fourth seed Sheikh Humera emerged champions at the the All India Tennis Association Talent Series tournament for under-16 boys and girls, organised by the Surya Tennis Foundation at the Pallavi Model School Playground at Bowenpally in Secunderabad.

Andhra Pradesh player Jitesh defeated statemate Theertha Shashank in straight sets 6-2, 6-3.

Humera, also from AP, scored a similarly dominant 6-4, 6-4 win over the seventh-seed, Amineni Shivani (AP) in the summit clash.

Jitesh was on a roll right from the start of the match. Barely giving his opponent any breathing space, Jitesh went about asserting his dominance over Shashank. He won the first set 6-2 and riding on the momentum, claimed the second 6-3 to wrap up a comprehensive victory. Humera faced a stiff challenge from Shivani.

Both girls began the final on an even note, firing winners from all sides of the court.

It was only towards the end of the first set that Humera broke Shivani and gained the lead.

It was a similar story in the second set as Humera went on to win it 6-4 and with it, seal the title.

RESULTS (FINALS) BOYS UNDER-16 M. Sri Jitesh Swamy (AP, x5) bt Theertha Shashank (AP) 6-2, 6-3.
GIRLS UNDER-16 Shaikh Humera (AP, x4) bt Amineni Shivani (AP, x7) 6-4, 6-4.