Devyanshi Bhimjiyani and Anvit Bendre won the girls and boys under-16 titles of the Rupee Cooperative Cup Om Dalvi Memorial National Ranking Tennis Championship. The competition was held at the PYC Hindu Gymkhana Tennis court on Friday.

Devyanshi upset top seed Madhuri Pathere 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 in what was a thrilling encounter. She was shocked but at the same time delighted with her victory. “I didn’t expect to win but I am happily surprised,” said the twelve-year-old.

Devyanshi is a seventh standard student of City International School, Kothrud. She started her career at the age of eight at a tennis academy in Baroda. Her achievements include a doubles national title in 2008 and an under-14 and under-16 title in Hyderabad last month. She is at present ranked sixth in the country in the under-12 category.

Her coach Madan Gokhale made two necessary corrections in her game which proved to be the difference in Friday’s encounter. “Devyanshi always had a strong first serve and forehand. Since the last tournament in Balewadi in June I have told her to focus on her backhand and court coverage and it paid off today,” he said. “ With an improved backhand her opponent ran out of ways to win points,” he added. Devyanshi will now look to train for an under-16 tournament in Deccan Gymkhana in November.

In the boys section top seed Anvit Bendre beat third seed SP Prashant to lift the under - 16 title. He beat his opponent in straight sets 6-1, 6-1. The under - 18 boys final will take place between top seed Tushal Thawani and second seed Adwait Sadwilkar while the girls final will take place between top seed Ankita Raina and second seed Manasi Fulzele on Saturday.