Thompson defeats Bhambri to clinch Chennai Open Challenger title

It was a game which witnessed both players break each other’s serve at ease. The 25-year-old Bhambri got off the blocks in a brisk manner, leading 3-1 in the opening set. Despite making two double faults in the fifth game, Thompson reduced the deficit to 2-3. The Australian was given a ball abuse warning in the same game as he smashed the ball to one of the stands in frustration. He then broke Bhambri’s serve to square things up at 3-3. 

Thompson managed to pull his strings together in the later stages of the first set, winning it 7-5 in 55 minutes. The Indian made his intentions pretty clear at the beginning of the second set, notching up a 2-0 lead. His counterpart did strike back well by securing consecutive games to bring it to 2-2. It was a one-way traffic after that as the Indian lad secured the second set 6-3.

With the match well poised and Bhambri coming into it with all the momentum, the Aussie produced some breathtaking strokes to take a 3-0 lead in the final set. The New Delhi-lad showed his prowess in bringing some life back into the game by squaring it at 3-3. He failed to capitalise on a match point which was presented to him in the fifth game off Thompson’s serve. 

Thompson led 6-5 before he served for the title. He went on to clinch the encounter 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 in two hours and 37 minutes, making the Indian rue his missed match point chance.  

RESULT: Men’s singles: Final: Jordan Thompson (Aus) beat Yuki Bhambri (Ind) 7-5, 3-6, 7-5