Sargun-Saroj/Chandigarh
The RBI@90 51stInstitutional Table Tennis Championships at Panjab University’s Gymnasium Hall concluded with Swastika Ghosh crowned the new women’s singles champion and G.Sathiyan claiming his fourth men’s singles title.
Sathiyan, who previously won in 2014, 2016,and 2017, fought hard for this victory, clinching a thrilling 4-3 win. Thefinal was a showcase of skill, with intense rallies, powerful attacking shots,and precise placements. Despite some delays from Sathiyan’s usual tactics, the match was an exhilarating display, with both players missing andsaving multiple game and match points. The crowd, divided in support, was captivated throughout. Sathiyan walked away with Rs. 1.12 lakh, while Manav earned Rs.46,000 for his efforts.
(SUBHEAD)Swastika was in her element, displaying a carefree approach in the final against Sreeja, the hosts’ besthope to disrupt the AAI women’s title ambitions and maximum ranking points. Although Swastika started poorly, she boldly countered Sreeja’s unconventionalstyle and the use of pimpled rubber with crisp forehands. The RBI woman couldn’t break Swastika’s defence and strong forehands, allowing her a one-handed grip on the trophy, andgiving momentum. With renewed confidence, she dominated the final game toclinch her maiden major title, the Rs. 1.12 lakh prize, and 120 crucial points.Sreeja earned half the prize money for her efforts.
In the men’s doubles final, Akash Pal andRonit Bhanja of Railways triumphed over Sanil Shetty and Soumyajit Ghosh of PSPB 3-2 in a thrilling contest for the gold.
In the women’s doubles, Tanesha Kotecha and Jennifer Varghese from Maharashtra outplayed Oishiki Joardar and Swastika Ghoshin straight games.
In mixed doubles, Manush Shah partnered DiyaChitale to a 3-1 victory over Yashaswini Ghorpade and Harmeet Desai of PSPB.
RBI Deputy Governor, T. Rabi Sankar, whograced the occasion, gave away the prizes to the medal winners.
RESULTS:
• Men’s Singles: Final:G. Sathiyan (PSPB) bt Manav Thakkar (PSPB) 4-3 (6-11, 14-12, 11-6, 9-11, 12-10,11-13, 12-10).
• Semifinals: Manav bt Sourav Saha (PSPB) 4-2 (11-9, 4-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-9); Sathiyanbt Manush Shah (RBI) 4-2 (8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9).
• Women’s Singles: Final: Swastika Ghosh (AAI) bt Sreeja Akula 4-2 (8-11, 11-8, 11-6, 10-12, 11-9, 11-4).
• Semifinals: Sreeja bt Diya Chitale (RBI) 4-0 (12-10, 11-8, 11-3, 11-9); Swastika bt KrittwikaSinha Roy (PSPB) 4-2 (11-4, 11-7, 9-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4).
• Men’s Doubles: Final:Akash Pal/Ronit Bhanja (RSPB) bt Soumyajit Ghosh/Sanil Shetty (PSPB) 11-4,11-8, 8-11, 5-11, 12-10.
• Women’s Doubles: Final:Jennifer Varghese/Taneesha Kotecha (Mah) bt Swastika Ghosh/Oishiki Joardar(AAI) 11-8, 11-1, 11-7.
• Mixed Doubles: Final:Diya Chitale/Manush Shah (RBI) bt Yashaswini Ghorpade/Harmeet Desai (PSPB)8-11, 11-2, 11-8, 12-10.
