In a keenly fought game, Ripu Daman overcame a spirited challenge from Jitender Singh to win 2-1 and take the title.

It was a fine comeback by Ripu who, despite losing his second match in the tournament to earlier champion Jatin nanda, recovered well as he notched up seven successive matches to emerge winner. But the win had come after his considerable efforts towards that goal in the last couple of weeks.

Incidentally, this was Rriup Daman's second challenge victory and it helped the winner ganer 32 points. This win has in the process hoisted him to the 12th position in the overall rankings.

Runners-up Jitender exceeded all expectations and reached the finals without dropping a single game. But it was Ripu's excellent play that proved too much for Jitender who had to be contend with the second spot.

Unfortunately, the earlier winner Jatin Nanda ended up at third spot. Despite beginning with five straight wins, he could not cope with the pressure applied by Jitender and Rripu.

The top six positions were: Ripu Daman, Jitender Singh, Jatin Nanda, Anil Advani and Honey Chadda and Varun Jetha (both joint 5th).

The next Challenger round begins the day after at South Campus Pool Academy at Satya Niketan. Interested players may contact Vertex Sports Management at 6101880/6171108.