GRANBY, July 30, 2017

Peter Polansky emerged victorious from Saturday’s all-Canadian-semi-final encounter at the $100,000 Banque Nationale Challenger in Granby.

The second seed from Thornill faced the tournament’s number four Denis Shapovalov in a repeat of last week’s Gatineau final which was won by the 18-year-old #NextGenATP player. This time, it was Polansky who came out on top 6-2, 7-5 thanks to a virtually flawless performance against his compatriot who finished his quarterfinal match after midnight Friday night and the quick turnaround was too difficult to overcome.

For Polansky, this will be his third straight final and he will be seeking his first title after finishing runner up in Winnipeg and Gatineau. In the championship match, the World No. 118 will face top-seeded Blaz Kavcic of Slovenia who defeated Canadian Brayden Schnur 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-finals. Kavcic is currently ranked No. 100 in the world.

“I am very happy to be into third final in a row, but I hope this time, it will go my way,” said Polansky after the 65 minutes encounter. “I lost in three tight sets to Kavcic in Winnipeg so I know it will be a big battle tomorrow.”

Sebov To Face Ferrando In ITF Women’s Final

On the women’s side, Sunday will be a big day for Katherine Sebov from Canada, who will play in her first final on the ITF Pro Circuit. After reaching the stage of the final four three times earlier this season, the 18-year-old was able to overcome the semi-final hurdle for the first time on the strength of a 6-4, 7-5 victory over French qualifier Jessika Ponchet after a erasing a 1-4 deficit in the opening set.

“It’s an incredible feeling to reach my first pro final,” said Sebov. “I tried to put a lot of pressure on my opponent today, but she did not make it easy on me.”

Sebov will take on Italian Cristiana Ferrando, who benefited from the retirement of second seeded Czech Marie Bouzkova leading 6-4, 2-3.