Yuki Bhambri loses semifinal, bows out of Taipei Challenger

Yuki Bhambri's good run at the Taipei ATP Challenger event ended with a close semifinal defeat against Australian second seed Sam Groth today

Taipei: Yuki Bhambri's good run at the Taipei ATP Challenger event ended with a close semifinal defeat against Australian second seed Sam Groth, here on Saturday.

The unseeded Indian fought his heart out before losing the match 4-6, 5-7 in 67 minutes to world number 85.

Yuki Bhambri. File pic/AFP

Yuki managed to break his higher-ranked rival in the opening set but lost his serve twice, while in the second set he did not get any chance to break the Australian.

Nevertheless, it was a rewarding effort for Yuki as he gained 35 points and is set to break into top-200 again. He also pocketed USD 3765 as prize money.

"I worked hard and made changes to my game and it's paying off. I have always said that I just need to be injury free and just need to play consistently and as long as I am playing, result will take care of itself," Yuki said.

"To reach the highest level, I will have to work harder, maybe hire a travelling coach too but for right now my main aim goal is to play whole season," the 22-year-old added.

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