Delhi edge out Mumbai to inch closer to title Champions Tennis League

MUMBAI: Delhi Dreams inched closer to a place in the final of the inaugural Champions Tennis League by outsmarting Mumbai Tennis Masters by three matches to two in the best-of-five one-set clashes here.

The decisive blow from Delhi, who ended the three-team North Zone round robin on home and away basis with three wins and a lone loss (3 points), was struck by a not fully-fit Kevin Anderson of South Africa who easily overcame a tired-looking Spaniard Tommy Robredo, playing his third match, 6-1 in the fifth rubber when match scores were tied 2-all.

The bean-pole-like 28-year-old South African, currently ranked 16th in the world, jumped to a 4-0 lead with his strong serves and powerful ground shots.

Though 32-year-old Robredo, a former world No 5 and five-time French Open quarter-finalist, pulled one back by breaking his rival's serve in the fifth, there was enough arsenal in Anderson's tank to break him back immediately and then hold serve comfortably for a thumping 6-1 verdict.

Delhi's game-wise advantage over Mumbai at the end of the clash stood at a commanding 30-18. Delhi have won 11 matches and lost 9 as compared to Mumbai's poor 6-9 and third team Punjab Marshals' 8-7.

The League organisers have clarified in a media release that the winners of North and South group round robin matches would be decided by number of matches won and lost.

Should there be a tie, in matches won and lost, then the team with the most number of games would move into the final.

The last North Zone league game is scheduled between Mumbai and Punjab Marshals and the final is to be held at Delhi on November 26.