NEW
DELHI, November 5. PLAYING with supreme confidence Kiran Bedi came up with a trump for Delhi in
the final of the inter-state women's tennis championship at the Chelmstord club courts today.
After her sister Anu Peshawaria brought the hosts on level terms with holders Maharashtra by
beating Rohini Lokhande, Mrs. Bedi stunned the reigning national champion Nirupama Mankad in the
final match of the tie and Delhi for the first time became the champions.
Mrs. Bedi, ranked seventh in the country, was the underdog and very few gave
her a chance of winning against Mrs. Mankad after the way she lost to Tamil Nadu's Amrita
Ahluwalia earlier in the tournament. Mrs. Mankad on the other hand had a comfortable time till she
was extended by Anu yesterday in the opening singles.
Everything went fine for Mrs. Mankad and Maharashtra as she took the first set
at 6-3 and a break in the very first game of the second set confirmed fears of Delhi supporters.
The Delhi police officer took a sudden decision to change her tactics and this
proved to be the turning point . Call it a desperate bid or a calculated move, she started rushing
to the net and this took Mrs. Mankad by surprise.
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Mrs. Bedi sent Mrs. Mankad reeling and groping for the ball. A weary and tired
looking Mrs. Mankad did not bargain for this and she was never in the match thereafter. Mrs. Bedi
who lost the first set 3-6 won the subsequent two sets, conceding two and one game.
When Anu Peshawaria beat Rohini Lokhande, Delhi, who were down 1-2 yesterday,
were back in the game at two-all.
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