HBKSM-IDTA Invitation Open Tennis Tournament begins

By Our Sports Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 17 : Heisnam Basantakumar Memorial IDTA Invitation Open Tennis Tournament organised by Imphal District Tennis Association and sponsored by Heisnam Balkrishna, kicked off today at IDTA Tennis Complex, Lamphelpat.
The opening day of the tournament saw first round clashes of singles competition of various age groups.
In the men's open singles first round clashes, Atap outlasted Paras L 6-3, 6-1 while Bushan Haobam romped past Justin Panmei 6-2, 6-0 before Vilasier had a double bagel (6-0, 6-0) over Shanker H.
Luching Lukram also advanced to the next stage of the men's open singles competition with a 6-4, 6-4 win against Ashwajit S.
Men's 35+ singles
In the above 35 years men's singles matches which kicked off at 8 am, Binoy emerged 3-6, 6-1, 10-6 winner against M Rupam from Court No 3 while Rabi outlasted L Jiten 1-6, 6-3, 10-8 at Court No 4.
In the court No 1 clash which began at 9 am, Herojit moved into the next stage with an easy 6-0, 6-1 win against Robindro while at Court No 4, Ashok thrashed Domson 6-1, 6-2. Latter matches which began at 10 am witnessed N Premjit ease past Ranjan M 6-1, 6-3 at Court No 1 while Pritam Ch had an easy 6-1, 6-2 win against M Luikham. In another clash of the same category staged latter, Suraj made his way to the next round with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Jogendrajit.
Men's 45+ singles
Ibohal Th, Th Iboton, Ningtamba, Rakhesh and Romeo secured their next round berth today in the men's singles competition for above 45 years.
Th Iboton reached the next round with a 6-0, 6-7 (4-7), 10-7 against Rajiv S while Ningtamba sealed a 6-3, 6-0 win against Kenny.
Rakhesh on the other hand, sealed an easy 6-1, 6-2 win against Aldrin today before Ibohal trounced Jayenta 6-1, 6-2 and Romeo downed M Pradip 3-6, 7-6 (7-1), 11-9.
55+ Men's singles
The day also saw Lemba seal the next round berth in the men's singles for above 55 years with a 6-3, 6-4 win against Ibungomacha while Sarat earned the next round berth without breaking any sweat as his opponent Tomba did not turn up.