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November
It's time for the final Challenger rush of the year, and I've got two players participating in it. Anil Mehul played in Salzburg(Tier-3, Indoors) and reached the final in doubles while getting bounced in the singles first time out. He then wrapped things up in Cancun(tier-3, Clay) earning the doubles title but once again saying goodbye immediately in solo play. 5th-seed Tomas Arango beat him in a close affair, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, so it's not like he's getting crushed at this level. Still, he figures to drop out of the Top 200 again and head back to futures play, at least temporarily.
Sushant Chiba fared a little better. He played in both of the same events -- and won the singles crown both times. Only one doubles attempt, first qualifying round exit at Salzburg. Both title matches were close; no blowing away the competition here, but adding two more trophies to his accomplishments moved him up to a career-best 60th. He's exceeded his goals for the year, and is well-positioned for a further assault next season.
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