New Delhi: Yuki Bhambri downed Davis Cupper Vishnu Vardhan to claim the men's singles crown while young Rutuja Bhonsle prevailed over experienced campaigner Isha Lakhani to emerge winner in the women's singles event of the Fenesta National Championship on Saturday.
Yuki, playing after a long time due to injury issues, scored a 6-4, 7-6 (6) win over top seed Vardhan.
Former champion Isha had to settle for a runner-up finish this time around as the 15-year old Rutuja claimed a 6-3, 6-3 win in the final.
Isha had come through the qualifiers into the main draw. "It is a great feeling. This is the second one in the family and I have been looking forward to this moment for a Long time," Yuki, whose sister Sanaa has also won the national title in the past, said.
"It was a great contest, Vishnu really played well. I lost my concentration for a while in the second set but remained patient to win the title. I think, I was trying to do a bit more," the 19-year-old Delhi lad, who pocketed Rs 1.5 lakh as prize money, added.
Vardhan, who had made a very impressive debut at India's Davis Cup tie against Japan, said he had his chances but the better player won on the day.
"Yuki is a very good player and he played some really good tennis today. I had my moments in the game but, particularly during the second set but unfortunately could not hold on to them," said Vardhan.
"After losing the first set I had to come hard and in the way I gave away some easy points to Yuki, but I am happy with my performance over all. I played some good tennis throughout the tournament and even today I was happy to see some of the shots coming good," he added.
Left-handed Isha said she was not disappointed at losing the title-clash.
"I am happy to see a youngster winning the National title. Rutuja can do much better if she gets physically stronger. I did not come into the tournament with expectations at all. From the qualifying till here, being runner-up was a nice run," she said.
In the boys' under-18 final, Arjun Khade faced some stiff resistance from Mohit Jayaprakash before winning 7-5, 6-1.
P Sri Vaishnavi won the girls' under-18 title as she rallied to beat Simran K Sethi 2-6, 4-6, 6-1.
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