by Calvin Koh

A straight-game victory 3-0 (11-4, 11-8, 11-4) over Simon Belik from the Czech Republic gave Jain his fourth WTT Youth Series title and a measure of redemption, having faltered at the quarter-final stage in the Under-17 competition earlier.

“I’m feeling great! Even though I was not playing at my best, I could still win the final, and I´m really happy. The strategy and tactics given by my coach proved decisive, and I want to thank him for that,” said Jain.

The 17-year-old was pushed to the distance in his Round of 32 encounter with Marc Miro of Spain but triumphed 3-2 (14-12, 10-12, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9) to progress to the next knock-out round where he dispatched Peru’s Carlos Fernandez 3-0 (11-5, 12-10, 11-8) in a more straightforward contest.

In an All-Indian quarter-final, Jain defeated compatriot Yashansh Malik 3-1 (12-10, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7) before notching a similar 3-1 scoreline against Czech Republic’s Adam Stalzer (6-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-5). Jain then took just 23 minutes to overcome Belik in the final to stake his place atop the podium.

Like Jain, Brazil’s Leonardo Ilzuka Kenzo also enjoyed his revival after suffering an earlier final loss in the Under-17 Boys’ Singles competition to Australia’s Nicholas Lum. The Brazilian made amends by defeating Stepan Brhel from the Czech Republic 3-0 (11-8, 11-6, 11-9) in just 17 minutes to claim the Under-15 Boys’ Singles title.

“I was feeling very calm throughout the final match, and I managed to execute my strategy well. It was a great performance, and I’m feeling very happy,” said the Brazilian.

In the Under-11 Boys’ Singles final, hard work paid off for Michel Abi Nader after the 10-year-old Lebanese beat Austria’s Benjamin Bian 3-1 (9-11, 11-1, 11-4, 11-5) for this WTT Youth Series breakthrough.

“It’s a nice feeling to hold this trophy. I worked hard for this, and this win will only motivate me to train harder and do better,” said Abi Nader.

For more information on WTT Youth Contender Senec, click here.