New Delhi: Indian Aces continued their winning run as they beat Manila Mavericks 24-15 on the second day of the International Premier Tennis League in Manila on Saturday.
Having started their campaign with a win over Singapore Slammers, the Aces strengthened their position by outplaying a star-studded Mavericks. Opting to serve, Mavericks captain Treay Huey decided to begin the match with the legend’s singles game and Fabrice Santoro of the Aces was lined up to play Carlos Moya.
The Spanish legend, representing Mavericks, retired hurt with a groin injury at 3-1 and was replaced by Daniel Nestor, who Santoro easily beat 6-1.The Manila boys — Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Filipino Treat Huey — then outplayed Gael Monfils, partnering Rohan Bopanna, 6-0 to give the Mavericks a 7-6 lead. The Aces, however, bounced back in the third with Monfils beating the only member of Big Four club, Andy Murray 6-4.
After leading the set at 3-4, Murray succumbed to Monfils losing three consecutive points and eventually the set. At the end of third set, the Mavericks trailed 11-12. In the clash between the two stars pairs, Sania Mirza and Bopanna beat Maria Sharapova and Andy Murray 6-1.Ana Ivanovic then shut the door on Mavericks by beating Sharapova 6-3.
Sharapova started off well with consecutive aces to hold the opening serve but the first break point came in the third game with Ivanovic taking a 4-1 lead.The Russian then broke Ivanovic in the sixth game but could not win the set and eventually lost the match. Indian Aces will next face UAE Royals, who beat Singapore Slammers.
