Leonard Kirche outguns Marco Crugnola in qualifying 2nd round – San Marino CEPU Open 2011 CH
Starting off from Saturday, 6th August 2011, was the San Marino CEPU Open 2011. Played on the marvellous red clay, the event is held every year at the Centro Tennis Cassa di Risparmio di Fonte dell'Ovo in the City of
San Marino. With its 2nd round qualifier on its way, Brazilian Leonardo Kirche took on Marco Crugnola, the Italian, ousting him 6-3 and 6-3.
The 28-year-old Italian was stunned by the Brazilian’s play. Despite the huge disparity in their rankings, the home star was rusted off the red clay in no time. The two less indifferent players volleyed for 1 hour and 22 minutes
with spectacular backhands and forehands however, the game ended in favour of the challenger.
The match started off as the Brazilian served first. With a serving accuracy of 66 percent in the first set, the 26-year-old won 62 percent points on it. Even though the local lad had a greater percentage of first serve wins, his
defence was twice breached by the Brazilian in the first set. On the other hand, Kirche saved 5 out of the 6 breakpoints.
Winning 6-3, the first set concluded in favour of the Brazilian. Winning 25 service points and 10 returners, the 26-year-old mustered the first set totalling 35 points.
With the first set bagged by the Brazilian, Crugnola had the second straight set defeat in the match. The world No.436 came out of nowhere. With a spectral display of perfection the 26-year-old broke the Italian thrice in the 2nd set.
Crugnola did take his chance to break his opponent but could not get through.
The Italian’s frustrations multiplied as his rival took away 100 percent points of his second serve. The amazing Brazilian returned his challenger’s serves with lightening fast forehands. Surprisingly his return points contributed
more in his 2nd set total than that of his service points. Securing 14 service points and 17 returners, Kirche wrote down his name in the winners list winning the set 6-3.
In addition to 35 points in the first set, the 26-year-old bagged another 31 in the second totalling 66 to his win.
Kirche goes on making it to the 3rd round of the qualifiers, where he takes on Benjamin Balleret of Monaco for a spot in the main draw. Balleret bounced back from a set down against Frenchman Nicolas Renavand to secure
a 6-7(8), 6-2, 7-6(6) victory and spot in the final qualies.
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