Istomin edges Bhambri in a rain affected semi-final in Tashkent
INDIA'S NUMBER 1 SINGLES PLAYER, Yuki Bhambri lost a tough three-set match against Dennis Istomin of Uzbekistan, 6-4, 3-6, 3-6 in the semi-finals of the ATP Challenger Series, today in Tashkent.
On Friday, the world no. 105, Bhambri, was in a commanding position after winning the first set 6-4, which lasted more than an hour. A charged up Bhambri was also going for his shots and on occasions painted the lines with his forehands. At 3-4 (on serve) rain came to the rescue of home favourite, Istomin and the match had to be suspended.
Earlier in the day, both players took to court to finish their match, as the world no.67 held his nerve to eke out a close win in an hour and 54 minutes.
Owing to this tough loss, Bhambri will not play his third successive final on the ATP Challenger Tour. However, India’s new hope in men’s tennis will add 40 crucial ATP points to his tally as he breaks into the top 100 on Monday.
