Unseeded Ryoto Tachi put behind the disappointment of losing in the finals last week to score a grand double and claim his first singles title in India at the All India Ranking Championship Series tennis tournament in Mumbai on Friday.
The 13-year-old, who lost in the doubles and singles final last week at the Super Series Championship, crushed second seed Arjun Kadhe of Pune 6-4, 6-2 in the under-14 boys' final.
Goa's Natasha Palha also completed a double by beating Shruti Archita of Mumbai 6-4, 6-0 in the girls' final. Natasha had won the doubles title with Gauri Bindoor, beating Mrunalini Alla-Urmila Bugunati 7-6 (7-4), 7-5 on Thursday.
Tachi, who shifted to Mumbai from Tokyo in 2005, came up with superior ground strokes and greater control to claim his maiden title. He had beaten three seeded players, including the top seed, en route to the final.
"Last week I got a little tight in the final. There also I had beaten a few seeded players and was just happy to be in the final. But this time I concentrated on winning it," said Tachi.
He put Khade under pressure in both the sets by taking an early break. Though Tachi failed to serve out the first set when 5-2 up, he held his nerve in the 10th game to take the set 6-4.
"I just wanted to get my serves in and get into a rally. That's why I double-faulted. But I knew I had another game to serve out the set so I didn't get too tensed."
Khade was unable to keep up with Tachi in the rallies in the second set and lost it 2-6.
Results (Finals):
Boys: Ryoto Tachi bt 2-Arjun Kadhe (Pune) 6-4, 6-0
Girls: 1-Natasha Palha (Goa) bt 4-Shruti Archita 6-4, 6-2.
