Alexander Perfilov cripples Sergey Strelkov in qualifiers – Siberia Cup 2012 CH
In an all-Russian clash, Alexander Perfilov got the better of Sergey Strelkov with a breadstick at the Siberia Cup 2012 on Sunday. He nudged up a 6-1, 6-3 victory against the 21-year-old to power into the final qualifying round of this ATP (Association of
Tennis Professionals) Challenger Tour event held in Tyumen, Russia.
Perfilov unveiled his true class after entering this indoor hard court tournament. After earning the fame in one hour and three minutes, the underdog edged past the world number 1446 and secured a place in the final round of the qualifying competition.
The 27-year-old high-spiritedly entered the Russian hard courts. He blasted powerful forehands and reeled off opening five games before Strelkov could hold on. Perfilov held his serve once again and pulled out the opener with a breadstick. He was never challenged
with any breakpoint and capitalised on two out of five break chances to inch towards his goal.
Ranked 1756th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Perfilov maintained consistency in his game in the following set. He got the coveted break in the third game and jumped to a 3-1 lead. The lower ranked Russian held his composure
and bagged remaining serves with poise. He broke his rival’s serve once again and clinched the set with a 6-3 score line. Perfilov dusted away both breakpoints he came across and converted two out of seven break chances to his advantage.
All in all, Perfilov smashed four aces and produced a better first serve share of 77 per cent as opposed to his rival’s 60 per cent. He also acceptably availed 27 out of 36 points on it and ended the match with 59 points.
The world number 633, Alexander Bury will accompany Perfilov in the final qualifying round. He showed exceptional skills to overpower the local contender, Mikhail Vaks, in their first encounter. Bury made a horrible start but quickly found his rhythm, eventually
carving out the victory with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 score line in one hour and 25 minutes. He spilled 10 double faults but fired 17 aces to prevail in this battle. The 25-year-old was broken three times but cashed five out of eight break chances to steal the limelight.
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