European Challengers 2020

[Rajiv]

well played Praj, truly deserves this win, although the German was looking ominous, kept his composure to close it out.
Guarded optimism for the remaining matches

[sameerph]

Prajnesh was not at his best today like against Lacko particualary in terms of serving but he improved as the match went on. Missed closing it out in straight sets but thankfully closed it out in third.

His SF opponent too played out a tough 3 setter today. So, it will be even in terms of tiredness.

[QF] (7) Prajnesh Gunneswaran (IND,152) d. (Q) Daniel Masur (GER,256) 75 67(9) 63

Next,

[SF] (7) Prajnesh Gunneswaran (IND,152) vs. Botic Van de Zandschlup (NED,174)

[arjun2761]

Nice win by Prajnesh and nice run in this challenger! Making the finals or winning an European challenger is always tough, so will be thrilled if he can go all the way here....

[Sanjay]

I'm very optimistic about this chances in this tournament.
He needs to be at top form in his serves. Today he wasn't but he showed resilience to gut out a win. A win is a win.

[Sanjay]

Headsup!

Prajnesh and Sumit are next playing in Hamburg.
Ramkumar is playing in Marbella.

[prasen9]

Thanks.

Read it.

Headsdown again!

[PKBasu]

Good to see Prajnesh pull through despite the absence of his A game. Apparently his serve speed average was down 15-20kph from the Lacko match. It seems he has gotten unused to playing so many matches in a week. The Challenger routine should help him get his sharpness back. Let's hope his A game shows up in the SF against Ramkumar's conqueror.

[Dinesh]

Things are not looking good for PG. Lost the first set TB and now trailing 3-0.

[sameerph]

All over for Prajnesh. Damn, this Dutch player beat 2 Indians this week.

[SF] (7) Prajnesh Gunneswaran (IND,152) l. Botic Van de Zandschlup (NED,174) 67(6) 16

Nonetheless, good week for Prajnesh after some time.

[Sanjay]

Next is Hamburg.

P Gunneswaran plays M Torpegaard

Nagal plays a Qualifier.

[prasen9]

I hope Prajnesh is not torpedoed. He cannot put his gaard down.

[Dinesh]

Prajnesh plays former top—100 Kamke who qualified for the main draw here (defeating former top- 50 Marchenko in the FQR). Kamke also beat in-form German Hanfmann last week.

Sumit is up against lucky loser, RG local hero Hugo Gaston who lost in a tough 3 setter against Bachinger in the final round today.

The betting odds are against both of our guys, but I hope both of our guys win their respective matches!

[sameerph]

Sumit retired after being a set and 1-4 down.

At Hamburg Challenger 80, Germanay

[R1] Sumit Nagal (IND,131) l. Hugo Gaston (FRA,162) 57 14 retd.

Sumit did look good in first set, up a break twice at 3-0 and 4-1 but could not close the set. And then suddenly seemed to be out of gas in the second set.

[vparam]

Sumit retires due to shoulder injury. Our guys just can’t seem to get a break. Sad.

[Sanjay]

All hope pinned on PG.