Prajnesh in Ningbo Challenger final, Sharan-Sitak out of European Open

Indian Davis Cupper Prajnesh Gunneswaran earned himself a chance to win his second Challenger level title of the season by reaching the summit clash of the Ningbo Challenger in China even as Divij Sharan bowed out of the European Open after semifinal defeat with partner Artem Sitak.

Left-handed Prajnesh was dominating in his 6-2 6-2 win over Serbia's fifth seed Miomir Kecmanovic in the semifinal, which lasted just 64 minutes.

Prajnesh served well and consistently made deep returns. He found winners on both flanks with ease, completely dominating the contest.

"I played a very good match today. I maintained good intensity throughout. It was one of my better matches for sure. I could execute my plan well and was focussed on maintaining my level throughout the match," Prajnesh told PTI after his match.

Prajnesh, who had won the Kunming Challenger in April this year, next faces third seed Thomas Fabbiano from Italy.

Meanwhile in Antwerp, Sharan and Sitak too played an intense match but lost 5-7