He defeated Pune's Kedar Shah 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 in a one-hour 45-minute duel that saw only three breaks of serves. Pune witnessed success in the girls' under-18 final when Radhika Tulpule, fresh from her final appearance at Shivaji Park, defeated Sonal Phadke 6-4, 6-3 in 37 minutes.

Sonal, however, had the consolation of winning the under-16 title defeating Megha Vakharia 6-3, 6-0 while Vikrant Sane emerged the under-14 champ with an upset win over top seed Rohan Gajjar 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.

Radhika's problems with service continued as she committed four double faults and a number of unforced errors. What, however, worked in her favour was her brilliant return of serve, some delectable drops and almost complete success in approach shots, which were more than usual.

While both traded two breaks each at 4-4, Radhika held serve with two bold drop shots, one fromthe baseline to go 5-4 up. And then a thundering forehand return gave her the crucial break and the set.

A backhand volley set up a break for the 16-year-old Pune girl at 3-1 but she lost serve in the next. After another break, two backhand drop shots and a strong serve gave her the decisive victory in the ninth game and with it the match.

LAAD LASHES

Both Laad and Shah had the same number of aces -- two -- and double faults three. But Shah's lack of confidence meant over reliance on his forehand which worked well for most of the match but was not enough.

The first break of serve was achieved in the third game of the second set after Laad won the first set in tie-breaker. While Shah got the first breakthrough to lead 3-1, Laad saved five break points in the fifth to stay only one break down.

With a break in the eighth game, Laad was up 5-4. Shah, then, saved three match points in the next game before Laad hit a deep backhand crosscourt to finish the match.

Results (allfinal)

Boys' Under-18: Vijendra Laad bt Kedar Shah 7-6 (7-3). U-14: Vikrant Sane bt Rohan Gajjar 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.

Girls' under-18: Radhika Tulpule bt Sonal Phadke 6-4, 6-3. Under-16: Sonal Phadke bt Megha Vakharia 6-3, 6-0.