``The victory in Chandigarh has further boosted my morale. I am definitely participating in the remaining two legs of the India Futures at Ahmedabad and Mumbai. After collecting more points I am planning to stake my claims in the big tournaments,'' said a confident Hadad.

``The grass courts are not new to me. I often play on grass in Israel. I had also competed in the Junior Wimbledon. The centre court at CLTA Complex played much better than the Chandigarh Clubcourts,'' said Hadad.

Both players exhibited some brilliant grass court tennis. They executed topspins and volleys with authority. They served with power. Hadad's backhand deep slices and forehand winners were a treat of watch. Erlich Jonathan's few passing shots were also applauded even by his opponent. Both had three aces and one double faults in their accounts in the final.

Kirtane cousins win

AHMEDABAD: Nitin Kirtane defeated Pirc Sasha of Slovakia 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the qualifying round of the second leg of the Goldflake Aces ITF Futures Tennis tournament here today.

In another match, Sandeep Kirtane posted an impressive 6-1, 6-2 win over Krusic Gregor of Slovakia. Radhakrishnan Anand beat Kambargimath 6-2, 3-6, 6-2, while Rohan Bopanna beat Dyson Art of Canada 6-3, 6-1.