Indians close play with wins
Men’s Singles: Groups
Anirban Ghosh and Jeet Chandra ended day one of qualification with strong wins over their opponents from Pakistan and Oman respectively.
The Indian’s have a good day overall, as Ghosh wrapped up a 3-0 (11-3, 11-5, 11-2) win over Syed Obaid Shah, taking him through to the next round. Similarly Chandra also won in straight games, beating Asad Alraisi on his home turf (11-6, 11-7, 11-8).
Bittersweet evening for hosts
Men’s Singles: Groups
Ahmed Zayed from Egypt was not the favorite man in Oman, as he defeated the hosts’ representative Issa Al-Riyami in straight games. Winning 3-0 (11-2, 11-5, 11-2), the African athlete looked very strong for his opponent throughout.
In good news for the home fans, Maadh Al-Shahi continued his good form as he accounted for Pakistan’s Faizan Zahoor in a strong 3-0 (11-8, 15-13, 16-14) win. Despite his best efforts in the last two games, Zahoor was unable to budge Al-Shahi from his way to victory.
Marchetti in trouble Mukherjee comes from behind
Women’s Singles: Groups
Belgium’s Nathalie Marchetti lost her second game in a comeback win for Sutirtha Mukherjee, with the score reading 3-2 (9-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-7, 11-8) in the favor of the Indian. Despite securing the first game, Marchetti could not prevent the recovery from Mukherjee.
Meanwhile, over at table 2 of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, it was a straight games win for Archana Girish Kamath, defeating compatriot Dita Parag Chitale 3-0 (11-5, 11-7, 11-8).
Abdulrahman Abdullahi secures winning start
Men’s Singles: Groups
In the closing session of the morning there were three straight-game victories, one of which came courtesy of Nigeria’s Abdulrahman Abdullahi who bested the host nation’s Asad Alraisi with a fine display (11-6, 14-12, 11-6).
“I was very happy and I’m looking for my next match also, my plan is to win against to qualify to the next stage.” Abdulrahman Abdullahi
The two other encounters to go ahead both produced wins for India as Jeet Chandra and Snehit Suravajjula came out on top in their respective meetings with Tarek Al-Samhoury (11-6, 11-7, 12-10) and Anirban Ghosh (12-10, 11-6, 11-4).
Shetty untroubled
Men’s Singles: Groups
Needing just three games to get the job done, Sanil Shetty leads the way in Group 2 of the men’s singles qualification race with the Indian competitor proving too hot to handle for Egypt’s Ahmed Zayed in the 11.40am session (11-7, 11-8, 11-4).
India also emerged victorious over on table 2 as Manush Utpalbhai Shah powered past Oman’s very own Maadh Al-Shahi 3-0 (11-7, 11-4, 11-5).
“My strategy was good in the match, since my opponent was local player from OMAN, I was opening some supports for him then I knew how could I win, I played very well and I won the match nicely. I’m preparing myself for the next matches.” Manush Utpalbhai Shah
Belgian loses out in opening match
Women’s Singles: Groups
The only non-Indian player involved in the opening session of the day, Belgium’s Nathalie Marchetti experienced defeat in her opening Group 3 encounter as she lost out to Shruti Vijay Amrute in straight games (11-8, 11-5, 11-9).
“I felt so good In the first game , I was serving to the center and it really helped me a lot to win The sets easily Afterwards , I started to use extremely short forehand and that enhanced me to win ,Hopefully I will do the same in all my upcoming matches in the group.” Shruti Vijay Amrute
One of India’s most exciting young talents, Archana Girish Kamath is off to a winning start in Group 2 following her 3-1 victory over Moumita Dutta (11-7, 9-11, 11-4, 11-7).
