Balaji, Vardhan duo clinch Chennai Open Challenger

After snapping up the first set, the Tamil Nadu duo slipped in the second, forcing the match to move into the super tie-breaker to decide the title-winner. The Indian pair kept their cool in the decider, managing to come up trumps on home soil. It was the first time Balaji/ Vardhan required three sets to put a game to bed, having won their initial three matches in straight sets.  

India’s Yuki Bhambri booked his berth in the final of the men’s singles category after defeating Duckhee Lee in fine fashion. After coming from behind and winning the quarter-final on Thursday, second-seeded Bhambri won the contest with ease, beating the Korean 7-5, 6-2. He will face Australian Jordan Thompson in the title clash at 2:45 pm on Saturday. The locals would hope for a double delight as it would mark an occasion were Indians have clinched the title in both categories. 

Top seed Thompson managed to sail into the final by registering a thumping victory over Pedro Martinez in the other semi-final. The Australian overcame the Spaniard 6-1, 7-6.  

Results: Men’s doubles: Final: N Sriram Balaji/ Vishnu Vardhan beat Cem Ilkel/ Danilo Petrovic 7-6, 5-7, 10-5

Men’s singles: Yuki Bhambri (Ind) beat Duckhee Lee (Kor) 7-5, 6-2; Jordon Thompson (Aus)beat Pedro Martinez (Esp) 6-1, 7-6