Grover, Yang win junior TT crowns
Mumbai: Indian paddler Sagarika Mukherjee finished runner-up in the Junior Girls singles at the $8,000 India Junior and Cadet Open at the NSCI Stadium here on Sunday. China’s Yanmei Yang beat the Indian 4-3 (11-6, 11-2, 11-4, 14-16, 9-11, 5-11, 12-10) in a thriller in the final. Yang received the winner’s purse of $1,000 while Sagarika earned $500 for her effort. In Junior Boys, India’s Sudhanshu Grover defeated compatriot Abhishek Yadav 4-1 (11-2, 16-14, 12-10, 4-11, 11-7) to take home $1,000. While Grover upped his game, southpaw Yadav was not in his elements which reflected in his game. Attacking from both flanks, Grover kept Yadav engaged with short rallies and whenever opportunities presented, he went for the kill. Nobody gave a semblance of chance to Sagarika after she was down and out, trailing 0-3 and 2-4 in the fourth game. But she not only surprised the crowd but even the Chinese, who was forced on the back foot. Even the variations she employed in her serves failed as Sagarika won the extended game 16-14. Sagarika’s ploy of block and attack method worked as the Chinese made far too many mistakes. Sagarika took the next two games and was in her groove going 7-4 up in the decider only to allow her rival to come back. Another extended game this time saw the Chinese making amends to win the crown. Sreeja Akula saved four championship points to level the score and even went 7-4 up in the decider of the Cadet Girls final. However, once Sagarika levelled the score at 7-all, the cool headed West Bengal girl finished off in style to win the title 3-2. In the Cadet Boys final, Birdie Boro steam rolled Arjun Ghosh in straight sets. Ghosh, though put up some late resistance in an extended third game, it was too late too little for him. Boro, playing an attacking close-to-the-table game won several winners. (IANS)
Lahiri finishes 2nd in Macau
Macau: Anirban Lahiri equalled the course record with a sensational nine-under 62 at the par-71 Macau Golf and Country Club to finish second at the Macau Open here on Sunday. Despite a fine show, Lahiri fell three short of the Australian Scott Hend, who won his third title of the season by a commanding three strokes. Lahiri, starting the day four-under for 54 holes, cracked eight birdies, an eagle and dropped just one shot to have a shy at the title. Hend, carrying an overnight four-shot lead over Ernie Els and Siddikur, never allowed anyone to get close. The big-hitting Hend comfortably held off the chasing pack closing with a four-under-par 67 to for a 16-under-par 268 total to add to his triumphs in Chiangmai and Taipei this year. Hend, who picked up the champion’s cheque of USD 144,000, was delighted to extend his magical season after opening his week with a dismal 74 and then going head-to-head with Els over three rounds. Four-time Major champion, Els of South Africa shared third spot with Elmer Salvador of the Philippines after a 67 and 66, respectively in the USD 800,000 Asian Tour tournament. (PTI)