Karnataka Juniors Shine on Opening Day of KSLTA World Tennis Tour J30 Bengaluru

BANGALORE — Young local talent took center stage at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium on Monday as Karnataka players delivered a series of high-energy performances on the opening day of the main draw at the KSLTA World Tennis Tour Junior J30 Bengaluru.

Main Draw Roundup

Fifth seed Aahida Singh put on one of the day’s standout displays, shrugging off an early 0-2 deficit in her first-round match against Shazfa Wania SK. The 15-year-old stormed back to claim six of the next seven games, taking the opening set 6-3 before sweeping through the second set 6-0 to secure a commanding victory and a spot in the Round of 16.

Third seed Disha Kumar also advanced to the Round of 16, overcoming a tough challenge from Sidhhi Pandey to win 6-1, 6-7(3), 7-5.

In other main draw action, 14-year-old Puneeth Manohar showed great resolve in the Under-18 event before bowing out to Paranjay Siwach 6-7(2), 1-6. Yash Kumar was edged out in a marathon contest, falling 6-1, 6-7(3), 5-7 to Shlok Chauhan.

Qualifying Action

The final qualifying round brought mixed results for the state's contingent:

Krishika Gautam - earned her place in the main draw with a convincing 6-2, 6-3 win over Australia’s Arya Rajesh Patil. Riya Gangamma Pudiyokkada - missed out on the main draw after a heartbreaking 6-1, 2-6, 10-12 loss to Avipsha Dehury in a deciding tie-break. Pooja Nagara - fell just short in a tight contest, losing 6-4, 4-6, 13-15 to Samradnyee Dalvi. Pradyumna Tatachar - defeated Arjun Manikandan 6-0, 6-3, while top seed Neel Kelkar and Rishi Yadav both claimed their spots in the main draw.