Tag: Villena

Indian Duo Chandrasekar and Poonacha Triumph in Villena Challenger Doubles

Indian tennis stars Anirudh Chandrasekar and Niki Poonacha have etched their names in the annals of tennis history by capturing the doubles title at the €120,950 Challenger tournament in Villena, Spain. The fourth-seeded pair displayed exceptional teamwork and resilience to overcome Romain Arneodo and Inigo Cervantes in a thrilling final, emerging victorious with a 7-6(2), 6-4 scoreline.

This triumph marks the fifth Challenger title for both Chandrasekar and Poonacha, but it is their first together as a duo. It is also the third Challenger title of the season for Niki and the second for Anirudh. Their victory in Villena is a testament to their growing partnership and their ability to perform under pressure.

The Indian duo began their campaign with a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6(5) victory over the Spanish pair of Sergio Martos Gornes and Oriol Roca Batalla. They then faced a stern test against the experienced duo of Andrej Martin and Tristan-Samuel Weissborn, but they prevailed in a tight three-set battle, winning 6-4, 3-6, 10-7.

In the semifinals, Chandrasekar and Poonacha faced the challenge of the second-seeded pair of Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul. The Indians showcased their tactical prowess and determination, winning in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.

The final against Arneodo and Cervantes was a tense affair. The first set went into a tiebreaker, where Chandrasekar and Poonacha displayed their nerves of steel to win 7-2. The second set was equally competitive, but the Indian duo managed to break their opponents’ serve in the crucial ninth game, eventually sealing the victory with a 6-4 scoreline.

Their triumph in Villena has earned Chandrasekar and Poonacha €6,845 and 100 ATP points. The runners-up, Arneodo and Cervantes, received 60 points and €4,050.