Biryukov clinches maiden Challenger singles title

Biryukov, despite a mid-match wobble in the final, had a tournament to remember.
| Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Petr Bar Biryukov overcame jitters to eclipse Ilya Ivashka 7-6(0), 4-6, 6-4 in the singles final of the S.M. Krishna Memorial Open ATP Challenger at the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium here on Saturday.

Mukund Sasikumar and Adil Kalyanpur kept the home spirits high in doubles, bagging the crown with a 6-7(3), 6-4, [10-3] win over Biryukov and Grigoriy Lomakin in the summit clash.

In singles, Biryukov, a compulsive shot maker, seemed to suffer the yips when he was 2-1 up in the second set. The Russian did not make the effort to chase down balls, attempted shots between his legs, and hammered his forehands long. The sudden loss of interest allowed Ivashka to draw level in the match.

In the decider, though, southpaw Biryukov came back with the right mindset, and used his big serve to great effect. Ivashka, a former World No. 40, stayed afloat, until a couple of unforced errors cost him dear.

At 4-5 and 30-30, Ivashka missed an easy volley to hand Biryukov a match point. Ivashka then hit his next shot into the net. A delighted Biryukov, who won his maiden Challenger singles title, celebrated by throwing his racquet high in the air. He received $9,500 and 50 ATP ranking points.

In doubles, Sasikumar and Adil held their nerve in a tight encounter. Sasikumar’s wide serves proved to be a handful, while Adil showed good hands at the net. They took home $3,950 and 50 ranking points.