: In a thrilling showdownfor the top spot in domestic rankings, second-seed, Manav Thakkar outsmartedtop-seed Harmeet Desai, winning 4-2 in the men’s singles final of the UTTNational Ranking Championships held at the Rainbow Khelo India ResidentialAcademy.
This victory would putManav ahead of his PSPB rival in the rankings list. Yashaswini Ghorpade thumpedReeth Rishya 4-1 in the women’s singles final earlier.
Despite losing the firstgame, Manav showcased his skill and determination, taking a commanding 3-1lead. Harmeet fought back, narrowing the margin and nearly levelling the score.However, at 10-9 in the sixth game, Manav claimed the final point to secure thetitle in an exciting season opener.
This victory markedYashaswini’s first major women’s title, building on her success in age-groupevents. Reeth struggled throughout the match, failing to implement her gameplans effectively, contributing to her defeat.
In the men's semifinals,top-seed Harmeet Desai quickly asserted his dominance against left-handedopponent Manush Shah, racing to a 2-0 lead. Despite Manush’s attempts to fightback, Harmeet maintained control, clinching the match 4-0 with decisive pointsat 10-all in the last two games.
Second seed Manav Thakkarhad a breezy start against Delhi’s Payas Jain, who struggled to find hisrhythm. Manav capitalised on critical moments in the third game, turning apotential 1-2 deficit at 6-10 into a lead that Manav would not relinquish. Heultimately secured a 4-1 victory, showcasing his resilience.
Reeth Rishya encountered atough battle against Sayali Wani from Maharashtra in the women’s singlessemifinal. After trailing in parts of the match, Reeth pulled through in twocrucial games, winning 4-3. Sayali fought valiantly, pushing Reeth to adeciding game, but ultimately fell short after Reeth surged to a commanding 9-1lead, and held eight match points at 10-2.
Yashaswini Ghorpade alsofaced early challenges in her semifinal against Tamil Nadu’s Selena Deepthi,dropping the first game. However, she regained her composure and elevated herperformance to take the next three games, closing the match 4-1.
Ankur, Taneesha win titles
In the Youth Boys U-19singles final, Ankur Bhattacharjee of PSPB claimed the title with a 4-0 victoryover P.B. Abhinand of Tamil Nadu. The match showcased intense rallies, butAnkur's effective attacking strategy allowed him to convert crucial points,solidifying his win and marking a strong start to the season.
Earlier, both playersadvanced to the final with impressive performances. Ankur secured a decisive3-0 victory against Preyesh Raj Suresh from Tamil Nadu, while Abhinand overcamePriyanuj Bhattacharyya from Assam 3-1, maintaining control despite dropping onegame.
In the Youth Girls U-19final, Taneesha Kotecha triumphed in an all-Maharashtra showdown against SayaliWani. After winning the first three games, Sayali made a spirited comeback,challenging Taneesha and keeping her on edge. However, Taneesha held her nerveand clinched the match on the third game and match point, delivering adisappointing blow to her state mate.
In the semifinals, M.Hansini of Tamil Nadu narrowly defeated Sayali Wani 3-2, capitalising on keymoments. Meanwhile, Taneesha showcased her skill by defeating Pritha Vartika3-1, maintaining momentum throughout the match.
Results:
Men’s Singles: Final:Manav Thakkar (PSPB) bt Harmeet Desai (PSPB) 9-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-9, 9-11,11-9. Semifinals: Harmeet Desai bt Manush Shah (RBI) 11-6, 11-6, 12-10, 12-10;Manav Thakkar bt Payas Jain (Del) 11-9, 9011, 13-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-4.
Women’s Singles: Final:Yshaswini Ghorpade (PSPB) bt Reeth Rishya (PSPB) 12-10, 11-5, 11-4, 4-11,12-10. Semifinals: Yashaswini Ghorpade bt Selena Deepti Selvakumar (TN) 2-11,11-9, 11-6, 11-8, 13-11; Reeth Rishya bt Sayali Wani (Mah) 11-7, 13-11, 8-11,8-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-4.
Youth Under-19 Boys:Final: Ankur Bhattacharjee (PSPB) bt P.B. Abhinand (TN) 11-7, 11-8, 11-7, 11-8.Semifinals: Ankur Bhattacharjee bt Preyesh Raj Suresh (TN) 11-5, 11-6, 11-5;P.B. Abhinand bt Priyanuj Bhattacharyya (Asm) 11-8, 5-11, 12-10, 11-7.
Youth Under-19 Girls:Final: Taneesha Kotecha (Mah) bt Sayali Wani (Mah) 11-9, 11-7, 11-5, 15-13. Semifinals:Sayali Wani bt M. Hansini (TN) 11-13, 11-7, 11-13, 11-5, 11-7; Taneesha Kotechabt Pritha Vartikar (Mah) 11-6, 11-13, 11-7, 14-12.
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