Sanam goes down to Yuya Kibi in a three-set thriller in R1 of ATP Kyoto challenger
INDIA’S SANAM SINGH goes down fighting to the Japanese qualifier Yuya Kibi 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(8) in round one of the ATP Kyoto challenger in Japan today.
After winning the first set, the local favourite looked good for a straight sets victory, but Sanam came back to level the match at one set all and a decider had to be played to determine the winner.
In the closing stages of the final set, both men were gripped with some nerves and struggled to hold serve. In the end, the match went into a tie-breaker, where the Indian got off to a flying start. However, the Kibi came up with some smart tennis to nail the set and the match in an hour and 42 minutes.
Both men had similar reading on their first serve points won. But Kibi converted one extra break point to hold the edge over his opponent. Such was the closeness of the battle, just three points separated the two players.
