CHANDIGARH: Unseeded Prakash Amritraj topped the top seeded Karan Rastogi in straight sets 7-6 (5), 6-1 in 106 minutes to claim the singles title in  the  SAIL $10,000+Hospitality ITF Men Futures Tennis Tournament at the Centre Court of the CLTA Stadium in Sector 10 here Saturday.

With his powerful serve, tall Prakash Amritraj kept his rival under pressure. The American Indian born Prakash, ranked 817th, served eight aces. He also committed five double faults.

 Highest ranked in the field here, India number one Davis Cupper Karan Rastogi, 398th, failed to justify his top billing. Today, he could not give his best performance. He excelled in patches. Some of his passing shots were a treat to watch.  Rastogi committed four double faults. 

Prakash Amritraj served first and after losing the first point in the first game of the first set, he was on top and won the game with an ace. Twenty-one-year-old Karan Rastogi,  did not face any problem in holding his serve. Twenty-four years old Prakash unleashed two aces in the third game to lead 2-1.

The fifth game, with Karan serving, was decided after deuce was called thrice. Some long rallies were witnessed in this game. Karan raised the hope of winning the set as he broke Prakash in the fifth game. A down-the-line shot gave Karan 30-0 lead with Prakash serving. Then Prakash made a double fault and hitting long shot helped Karan break his rival for a 3-2 lead.

Karan then held his serve to lead 4-2. Karan Rastogi had a chance to obtain the crucial break as Prakash trailed at 30-4-. An ace by Prakash helped him level the score and win it with another ace. Prakash also missed a chance to break Rastogi who trailed 30-40 before holding his serve after deuce. Action-packed  games 10, 11 and 12kept the spectators spell-bound.

With a double fault, Rastogi faced three breakpoints (0-40). A long return helped Prakash break Rastogi to make if 5-all. Wily Karan Rastogi broke back as Prakash committed a double fault. Serving at 30-40 in the 12th game, Karan Rastogi committed a double fault and they were tied six-all in the first set.It was a close affair in the tie-breaker as at one stage the score was 5-all Prakash won two points in a row for a 7-5 win.

With one set in his pocket, Prakash became unstoppable in the second set. Prakash broke Karan in the first, third and seventh games. Karan seemed to be unhappy with a call in the third game. He was heard telling chair umpire that his return was "definitelynot out". Karan should have broken Prakash in the fourth game. However Prakash managed to hold his serve after deuce was called twice. In the seventh game, Karan made a double fault and a backhand volley into the net ended his chances to win. 

"I am playing in higher level of tournaments and this is my first Men Futures title. I am delighted with the triumph. Karan Rastogi gave me a good fight. It was a tough match," said Prakash after winning the title.
Asked whether he was under pressure as he was facing the top seed and higher ranked player, Prakash said "as long as you play your tennis, ranking and seedings do not matter much. This morning I woke up fresh and had good breakfast," said Prakash, son of legendary Vijay Amritraj.   "I skipped doubles as I am focussing on singles," said 1983 born Prakash.

"Yes, Stephen Amritraj was insisting to partner him in the doubles," said Prakash, "However, Stephen got a good partner in Sunil Kumar Sipaeya and they won the doubles title here," said Prakash.

International golfer Irina Brar distributed the prizes. Prakash was presented a cheque of $ 1300 and a trophy. With this triumph Prakash earned 18 points. Karan Rastogi got $ 900 and a trophy. The runner-up position gave Rastogi 12 points.

Earlier, Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association president and former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, SS Sodhi, inaugurated the final. Also present on the occasion were CLTA chairman Rajan Kashyap and general secretary M Ramsekhar.

Result. Singles (final): Prakash Amritraj bt Karan Rastogi 7-6 (5), 6-1. Time  1hr 46 minutes.