Dudley Shrikant shine in J.S. Pereira Veteran’s tennis

by Shrutee K/DNS

Mumbai, March 16: Age is said to be only a number. This was demonstrated in great measure, as quite a large number of senior gentlemen, displaying youthful exuberance, were seen actively and enthusiastically competing during the recently concluded J.S. Pereira Memorial Open Tennis Tournament for Veterans organized and hosted by the Bandra Gymkhana at their floodlit tennis courts.

This tournament was revived after almost 20 years and the Bandra Gymkhana attributed the revival mainly due to the efforts and initiative of Merwyn Fernandis, a Hockey Olympian and a member of Indian team that won the Gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Summer Games and who is now an avid tennis player. Cmd. Emile Joshi was also responsible in restarting this tournament.

Events were conducted in three age catergories, 45+, 55+ and 65+.

Noted performances came from local Bandra veteran Dudley D’Souza, who along with partner Shrikant Parikh clinched 65+ crown and finished runner-up in the 55+ event, which was won by Gujarati & Shah, the duo came all the way from Ahmedabad.

The 45+ final was a well contested match, with Bhushan Akut and Neelkanth Damre rallying from the loss of the first set to clinching the tie in the ‘Super’ tie-breaker. They defeat Dinesh and Anil 5-7, 6-4, 10-5.

The Bandra Gymkhana plans to hold a Super Tennis Series Tournament next year.

Results – 45+ category: Bhushan Akut & Neelkant bt Anil & Dinesh 5-7, 6-4, 10-5.

55+ category:  Gujariti & Sanjeev bt Parikh & D’Souza 6-2, 7-5.

65+ category:  D’Souza & Parikh bt Rama Rao & Pachigari 5-2 (conceded).