ITF

ITFWORLD WINTER 2017 11 www.itftennis.com to take the bronze medal back to Florida but had done enough to retain her No. 1 ranking and went on to be crowned ITF Junior World Champion at the end of the season. Back to the boys, and Baez admitted a final with compatriot Geller would be a "dream", but those hopes were emphatically dashed in the semis by Wu and Ruusuvuori reaching peak form at the optimal time. The Argentine pair did meet in the bronze medal-match-up, where Geller prevailed in a titanic 61 67(9) 64 tussle before heading off to hone his tennis skills whilst studying at Stanford University, USA. He would go on to finish the season as world No. 1 and ITF World Champion. There was just one match to go to bring the curtain down on an enthralling Masters. Wu had defeated world No. 15 Ruusuvuori 76(6) 64 in the group stages, but the Finn was willing to spoil the party. Wu canvassed the net with aplomb in a blistering first set, but was hauled into a decider and was on the cusp of the championship leading at 4-1. Undeterred, Ruusuvuori played a series of pulsating points to force a title tiebreak. His ice-cool persona was tested to the brink, but he closed a miraculous 36 61 76(4) triumph to fall to the court in disbelief. "It can be my springboard for the Pro Circuit, it's a huge challenge and that's going to be such fun," said Ruusuvuori. Fans poured into the Sichuan International Tennis Center to catch a glimpse of the future stars of the game. Slovenia's Kaja Juvan was runner-up Finalist Wu Yibing was a fan favourite Whitney Osuigwe in action Li Na lends her support as event ambassador Kostyuk backflips in celebration

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