Tanisha takes U-16 title, Malik retains U-14 trophy

Delhi’s Tanisha Kashyap dominated Prinkle Singh with her aggressive ground strokes to clinch the Fenesta Open national junior championship Under-16 girls singles title, while Ajay Malik retained his Under-14 boys singles title with a three-set win in New Delhi on Saturday.

The 15-year-old Tanisha outplayed Jammu and Kashmir’s Prinkle 6-1, 6-4 in the final.

Ajay, who trains in a village in Gohana, Haryana, faced stiff resistance from Krishna Hooda before winning 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 in the U-14 final.

“Today she (Tanisha) played what I want her to play. It was a high-quality affair. She had that extra aggression today in her strokes and that is what she needs to do consistently,” said former Davis Cupper Vishal Uppal, who trains Tanisha at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association.

The boys Under-16 title was taken by Gujarat’s Mann Maulik Shah, who overpowered his state mate Kevin Mrugesh Patel 6-2, 6-2.

Shah took advantage of his tall frame and superior ground strokes.

The Under-14 girls singles title was won by Sandeepti Singh Rao, who outclassed Rutuja M. Chaphalkar 6-1. 6-1.

This year’s junior national championship was marred by allegations that over-aged players were competing in the tournament.

Many parents had signed a petition and presented it to the All India Tennis Association, demanding strict measures to check the menace.