JOIN USFavourite Sourabh Verma of ONGC had to stave off a spirited fight from BPCL’s Aditya Joshi to win the men’s singles title in the 38th PSPB inter-unit badminton championships here.
In a close contest at the KBA courts, Verma prevailed 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 while in the women’s section, Rituparna Das rallied past Shreyanshi Pardeshi 21-23, 21-13, 21-4 to wear the crown.
Ranked 39 in the world, Verma began in lacklustre manner, trailing 1-7 in the first game. Verma was unable to make even routine smashes at the net as Joshi claimed the first game.
The former national champion came flying out of the blocks in the second. Pushing his opponent to the limits while also ensuring his defensive game was on the mark, Verma raced to a 19-9 lead before closing out the game at 21-9.
At one game apiece, it was going to be a matter of who could outlast the other in a duel that was physically draining. Both players seemed up to the task and played safe, going toe to toe. Verma then held his nerve to see out the tie, regaining the title after a three-year gap.
Results: All finals: Men: Singles: Sourabh Verma (ONGC) bt Aditya Joshi (BPCL) 10-21, 21-9, 21-17.
Doubles: Krishnaprasad/Tarun Kona (ONGC) w.o. Prannoy H S/Siddarth Jain (ONGC).
Women: Singles: Rituparna Das (ONGC) bt Priyanshi Pardeshi (ONGC) 21-23, 21-13, 21-4.