Shivali Gurung and Swastika Bista Advance to Finals of 12th Citizens Bank Open Tennis Tournament

Shivali Gurung and Swastika Bista have qualified for the women’s singles final of the 12th Citizens Bank Open Tennis Tournament. In the semifinals held Thursday at the National Sports Council courts in Tripureshwor, Shivali defeated Prajna Manandhar 6–0, 6–1, while Swastika overcame Prakriti Shrestha 6–2, 6–1 in straight sets.

In the men’s singles, Pradeep Khadka and Darshil Shrestha have secured their spots in the final showdown. Pradeep triumphed over Ayushman Hajur Ghale 6–3, 6–7, 6–1, and Darshil defeated Pranav Manandhar 6–0, 6–0 in the semifinal matches. The tournament features 13 events in total, with finals for 11 categories scheduled for Friday.

Sponsored primarily by Citizens Bank, the veterans’ category for men over 35 saw former national champion Jitendra Pariyar reach the final after defeating Bhishmajung Gurung 6–4, 6–1. Santosh Khatri also advanced by beating Dawa Sonam Sherpa 6–2, 7–5. The veterans’ 70-plus men’s singles final took place at the Army Officers Club in Bhadrakali, where Dheer Bahadur Gurung claimed the title.

Players from various age groups are competing in the tournament. The men’s and women’s singles finals are scheduled for Saturday.