LAHORE - Unseeded Ivan Iutkin of Russia and top seed Andra Izabella Sirbu of Romania clinched the boys and girls titles in the ITF Pakistan AJ Towers World Junior Tennis Championships at PTF-S DA Tennis Complex, Islamabad.
In the boys singles final, unseeded Ivan Iutkin of Russia eliminated fifth seed Aldiyar Abzhan of Kazakhstan 6-3, 6-1 in 40 minutes. Ivan displayed an aggressive game and did not allow his opponent to settle down throughout the match. In the first set, Ivan broke the 4th, 6th, and 9th game of Aldiyar and wrapped up the set 6-3. In the second set, Ivan showed remarkable speed and exhibited excellent tennis, and easily won the second set 6-1.
Top seed Andra Izabella Sirbu of Romania faced tough resistance from second seed Tamara Ermakova of Russia before winning the title clash by 7-6(2), 7-5. Tamara Ermakova was off to a flying start as she broke the 1st and 3rd game of Andra to take 4-0 lead. Andra fought back bravely and leveled the score 4-4 by breaking the 6th and 8th game of Tamara. Both the players then held their respective serves to make it 6-all. In the tie break, Andra again took a lead by displaying exhilarating tennis to wrap up the tie break at 7-2.
In the second set, Tamara again took 4-1 lead by breaking the 4th game of Andra by hitting some incredible shots. Andra changed the game pattern; not only levelled the score 5-all but also overcame against the nerves of Tamara and broke the 11th game to maintain 6-5 lead. In the 12th game, Andra played well and finished the match at 7-5, and gained valuable world ranking points to improve her international ranking.
Earlier, Ambassador of Kazakhstan HE YerzhanKistafin witnessed the girls singles final and interacted with the participating players, coaches, parents and officials. He appreciated the organization and administrative arrangements of the healthy activity for the development of tennis in Pakistan. Hassan Baig SEVP and Sq Ldr Naveed Iqbal SVP ITA along with PTF Secretary Col Gul Rehman were also present on the occasion.
In the qualifying round of 2nd ITF Pakistan Elaan Syed Dilawar Abbas Memorial World Junior Tennis Championships Mars Argun (TUR), Esref Kaan Kacar (TUR), Mohammad Ali (CAN), and Yahya Musa Luni (GBR) qualified for the main draw of the event by beating their respective opponents in straight sets.