Strong field for US$50,000 KPIT- ATP Challenger

by Shrutee K/DNS

November 10: A strong, competitive field, led by former top 100 player and top seed Blaz Kavcic of Slovenia and second seed Moldavia’s Radu Albot along with last year’s runner-up Prajensh Gunneswaran and all the leading India players will be seen in action during the US$ 50000+ Hospitality 4th KPIT-MSLTA ATP Challenger, to be conducted by MSLTA in association with PMDTA at the Mhalunge-Balewadi Tennis Complex in Pune from November 13-18, 2017.

Except Rohan Bopanna, all the other Indian Davis Cup players, which include Yuki Bhambri, Ramkumar Ramnathan, Saketh Myeni among others will feature in this event, which would include participation from players from 16 countries, this was announced at a media conference on Friday afternoon.

The winner of the KPIT Men's Challenger will receive US$ 7,200 (around Rs 4,80,000) and earn 80 ATP points, while the runners-up will get US$ 4,053 (around Rs 2,70,000) and 48 ATP points.

Sunder Iyer, Hon. Secreatary, MSLTA mentioned that Mumbai youngster Aryan Goveas and Arjun Kadhe from Pune are two players from Maharashtra who have been given wild card entries for the event. The 19-year-old Aryan, is the highest ranked player from Maharashtra at 679 and Arjun is currently ranked 767. Jayesh Pungaliya, Dhruv Sunish, Siddhant Banthia, all from Maharashtra and Suraj Prabodh of Karnatak have received wild cards for the qualifiers which will be held on November 11 and 12.

Kishor Patil, President of PMDTA  and  Chairman of the organizing committee and MD and CEO of KPIT said; “I’m  happy that this tournament which is being held for the fourth  consecutive year has helped Indian players move up to newer heights and has enabled them to build their careers in tennis. It has always been our aim to promote Indian tennis players and Asian players through this event.”

Bharat Oza, President, MSLTA said, “I congratulate KPIT for conducting this tournament for 4 consecutive years. It’s good because the Indian Players looked forward to the event so that they can valuable points without having to travel abroad to play tournaments. The event has really helped Indian Players and espcecially our state players as it provides them with a platform to move further in the rankings.”

The qualifying round will be played on November 11 and 12 followed by the main draw which begins on November 13. The semi-finals and doubles final are scheduled for November 17 while finals will be played on November 18.

Players in Main Draw (First 10): Blaz Kavcic (SLO), Radu Albot (MDA), Adrian Menendez-Maceiras (ESP), Yuki Bhambr (IND), Nikola Milojevic (SRB), Ramkumar Ramanathan (IND), Elias Ymer (SWE), Evan King (USA), Aleksandr Nedovyesov (KAZ), Prajnesh Gunneswaran (IND).