Issa, Marwan line-up title clash

MUSCAT: Talented Omani youngsters Issa Al-Suleimani and Marwan Al-Khanjari lined up a clash for the boys under-12 singles title at the ISC-Muscat Pharmacy Open Junior Tennis Tournament organized by the Indian Social Club.

In a thrilling semifinal encounter, second seed Issa Al Suleimani staged a brilliant recovery and rallied from a set down to edge to a narrow 4-6, , 6-4, 10-8 victory over third seed Praneeth Raj. In a well contested first set, Praneeth earned the first break in the fifth game but was broken straight back. Praneeth upped the ante Issa’s next serve at love and held for a 5-3 lead.

Issa held to stay in the set but Praneeth was at his best as he served out to win the first set. Praneeth squandered a 2-0 lead in the second set as Issa rallied to take a 5-3 lead. Praneeth attempted to force the pace but Issa broke to gain the crucial 5-3 lead and served out the second set.

The third set super tie-breaker was a cliffhanger as first Praneeth led 5-3 but unforced errors allowed Issa to reel the next five points. Praneeth saved two match points but lady luck smiled on Issa who booked his passage into the final.

In the second semifinal, fourth seed Marwan Al Khanjari displayed patience and consistency in his ggame to overcome the determined effort put in by Vatsal Manikandan. Marwan won 6-4, 6-3 but tge quality of tennis exhibited by the two talented youngsters was a delight. Vatsal showed grit and doggedness and rallied from 0-4 down to 4-5 during which some brilliant rallies were exchanged between the two.

Marwan broke Vatsal in the tenth game to win the first set and continued to maintain the upperhand in the second as well. Marwan led 4-1 before Vatsal staged a partial recovery. Marwan broke in the eighth game and served out the second set for a place in the final.