BHUBANESWAR 22-Nov-2019
Kabir Hans scripted history when he became the first player from Odisha to win an ITF (International Tennis Federation) singles title at Guwahati, Assam today. The Bhubaneswar youth achieved the feat at the ITF Juniors (Grade-5) Tournament, held at All Assam Tennis Association Complex in Guwahati from November 18-22, 2019.
The tournament proved to be a double delight for Kabir, who went on to clinch a double by adding the doubles crown later in the day. In the singles final, top seed Kabir beat Karan Singh of Haryana 6-0, 6-1. Kabir Hans and his partner Dhruv Tangri won the doubles final, defeating compatriots Denim Yadav and Sushant Dabas (MP-Haryana) 7-5, 0-6, 10-6.
Kabir earlier won four matches to reach the singles final. He beat Jigyashman Hazarika (IND) 6-0, 6-0 in first round, Suvrat Mall (IND) 7-5, 6-2 in second round, Ekansh Kumar (USA) 6-2, 6-2 in quarterfinals and Akhilendran Indrabalan (IND) 6-1, 6-4 in semifinals.
Kabir now has four ITF Junior titles, including three doubles ones in his kitty. He won his first doubles title at Chennai in August 2018 and the second at the same venue in August 2019. He is currently honing his skills at Ahmedabad Racquet Academy, Ahmedabad.
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PHOTO: Kabir Hans with his ITF Junior trophies in Guwahati on 22 November, 2019.