Fourth seed Akshara Iska of Andra Pradesh fashioned an impressive 6-2, 6-2 win over qualifier Vasavi Ganesan of Tamil Nadu to clinch the title in the Rs. 3.60 lakh All India Women's Open Tennis Tournament at the Khar Gymkhana, here today.
A confident Akshara ended the dream run of giant-killer Vasavi for her fourth title this season. She had earlier won at Trivandrum, Patna and the under-16 nationals in Mumbai.
Using the double-handed backhand in good measure and a fierce forehand, Akshara dominated the championship round from the start, earning three breaks each in both sets to wrap up the contest in 90 minutes.
"I couldn't take Vasavi for granted especially after she beat two seeds to enter the final," explained Akshara. "I had to make sure of minimizing errors. Khar Gymkhana has been a happy hunting ground after winning the under-12, under-14 and under-16 titles over the years."
Defending champions and third seeds Sagarika Phadke and Nupur Kaul of Maharashtra retained the doubles title, following a 6-4, 6-1 win over the unseeded TN-Maharashtra pair of Vasavi Ganesan and Aastha Dargude.
Earlier, in the semi-finals, Ganesan and Dargude upset the second seeded UP-Haryana pair of Sanya Madan and Himani Mor with a 6-4, 6-3 win.
Results: Akshara Iska (AP) bt Vasavi Ganesan (TN) 6-2, 6-2.
Doubles (Final): 3-Sagarika Phadke/Nupur Kaul bt Aastha Dargude/Vasavi Ganesan 6-4, 6-1.
