Tennis: Ambika Pande becomes first Indian to win U-18 juniors in Canada

Fifteen-year-old tennis player Ambika Pande won the Canadian U-18 juniors world ranking tournament in Vancouver on Sunday. Itwas a joyous occasion for Ambika as not many Indian juniors have won ITF events outside the country.

Ambika beat Canada’s third seeded Gloria Liang 6-4 4-6 7-6(5) in the final to win the ITF juniors U-18 event. Liang had ousted top seed Lauren Chypyha of Canada 6-4 6-2 in the semifinals.
Ambika, who entered the tournament as a lucky loser, then pulled off five straight wins. Fourth seeded Indian had defeated eighth seed Tracy Dong of Canada 7-6 6-4 in the semifinals. This is the first-ever win by an Indian junior player at this prestigious tournament.

Ambika trains at DLTA in New Delhi and is coached by former Indian Davis Cup player Vishaal Uppal. Ambika is an active player on the Indian junior circuit and has won junior national series and championship series titles.

Results: Final: 4-Ambika Pande (Ind) bt 3-Gloria Liang (Can) 6-3 4-6 7-6(5); Semifinal: Gloria Liang (Can) bt 1-Lauren Chypyha (Can) 6-4 6-2; Ambika Pande (Ind) bt 8-Tracy Dong (Can) 7-6(5) 6-4