Qureshi shows Vajda who is the master

Qureshi shows Vajda who is the master
SHAILENDRA AWASTHI

Mumbai, March 30: Aisam Qureshi was unlucky to meet in-form Austrian Oliver Marach in the final at Pune last week. But, he knew he was in with a chance here once Marach was already shown the door.

And the 22-year-old third seed from Lahore (Pakistan) made the most of opportunity he got and romped home in style, beating Croate Ivan Vajda in straight sets 6-4, 7-5, to lift the ITF Masters title here at the Dr GA Ranade Tennis Centre on Saturday.

An important member of the Pakistani Davis Cup team, Qureshi showed he had all the qualities of a champion. Calm, composed and totally focussed on the goal. Essentially a game-trier when the chips are down, Aisam served and volleyed to the perfection and left Vajda stranded quite a few times.

Vajda was also equal to the task but could not match the quick footwork of the Pakistani. Serving at a lively pace Qureshi fired six aces against the three of Vajda.

The first set got off on level terms with both the players not ready to concede an inch. Both the players hung onto their serves till the tenth game when Qureshi landed a break at all-important juncture. Vajda had to send down couple of second serves which Qureshi returned to perfection. A Vajda return banged into the net which gave Qureshi the first set Vajda came back with the vengeance to break Qureshi in the third game of the second set. But his own serve came under pressure in the sixth which he managed to hold on despite five deuces.

Just when Vajda was serving for the set 5-4 and 30-0 up, Qureshi displayed the kind of grit which champions are made off.

His two lovely forehand returns caught Vajda on the wrong foot and a scintillating return which Vajda failed to surpass the net. The break put Qureshi on par at 5-5. He wrapped up the match holding on to his serve.

With a $ 800 winner’s purse, Qureshi also took overall 27 points to stand second behind Oliver Marach (35) on the Circuit. Vajda with 15 points stood third behind Russian Artem Derepasko (16).