Mankad-Ashutosh fall at final hurdle

Indian Davis Cupper Harsh Mankad and National champion Ashutosh Singh put up a brave fight before losing in the super-tie breaker in the final of the Euro 30,000 ATP Challenger grasscourt tournament in Manchester.

Up against the top seeded Australian pair of Adam Feeney and Robert Smeets, the fourth seeded Indian pair lost 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-10.

Their effort was worth 1100 euros and 38 ATP points each.

Mankad-Ashutosh had dumped the second seeded pair of Joshua Goodall and Michael Ryderstedt in the semi-finals.

In singles, India did not enjoy any success as both Mankad and Purav Raja crashed out after losing their first round encounters.