MARGAO
It was a déjà vu for Tejan Fallary and Yasmin Sayed at the Late Rasik Painguinkar Memorial All Goa Major Ranking Badminton Tournament at Multipurpose Hall, Fatorda, Margao.
Tejan who had narrowly missed out of a title at the previous Ranking Tournament in Ponda made amends with a power packed performance to win the Mens Singles title. Playing against Prateek Mahajan who has been Goa’s top men’s player during last few years, Tejan went into the game with a plan and began attacking right from the word go. Boosted by the home crowd and exhibiting a perfect clinical performance, Tejan unleashed several smashes en route to an impressive 21-14, 21-14 win. “Today is a really special day for me. I felt confident about winning as I had beaten Prateek in the last tournament. He is a good defensive player. I played a fast-paced game and tried not to give him a chance. I am happy with my performance”, said Tejan, delighted with his win as he lifted the glittering Rasik Memorial Rolling trophy.
The Women’s singles final was more keenly fought with Yasmin Sayed, the Ponda girl taking on local favourite, Emilia Silveira. In a match which witnessed plenty of rallies and fortunes fluctuating from one end to another, it was Yasmin who had all the answers in the end to outsmart Emilia in three hard fought sets. “Both of us had to fight hard for every point. I have been working hard with my fitness. After emerging as runner up at Ponda, this is an important win for me”, declared Yasmin as she laid her hands on the Silverware for the first time in Women’s singles.
In Mens doubles, former State champions Navneet Nasnodkar and Sunny Sawant came back to winning ways, edging past Floyd Araujo and Frederick Fernandes in a tough match. Back from injuries, the former top pair still had enough firepower to register their first win after nearly two seasons. Floyd and Frederick had their chances but did not capitalise on them. “State ranking champions in mens doubles after a two year long wait. Awesome feeling to be back to winning ways”, said Sunny following their tense win.
For Navneet, it was a sweet double as he won the mixed doubles title partnering former India ranked player Anushka Kuvelkar. Going into the tournament as favourites, the top seeds were given quite a scare by Frederick Fernandes and Emilia Silveira but played well towards the closing stages of the match to register their second successive win this season.
In Women’s doubles, Anar Singbal and Emilia Silveira were in good nick as they recorded a comfortable straight sets win over Yasmin Sayed and Sachi Dhavalikar.
Karan Dhavaskar, Dhiti Lotlikar, Yash Desai and Harsh Mane emerged as Promising Players of the tournament.
Dr Shekhar Salkar, Rupesh Mahatme (MMC Councillor), GBA Officials Narahar Thakur (President), Sandeep Heble (Secretary), Anil Painguinkar and Trustees of Rasik Memorial Trust Mrs. Kamlini Painguinkar, Mrs. Tanuja Painguinkar and Mr. Raju Painguinkar graced the prize distribution occasion.
Finals Results:
Men Singles
Tejan Fallary bt Prateek Mahajan 21-14, 21-14
Women Singles
Yasmin Sayed bt Emilia Silveira 21-17, 15-21, 21-17
Mens Doubles
Navneet Nasnodkar /Sunny Sawant bt Floyd Araujo /Federick Fernandes 23-21, 21-19
Women Doubles
Anar Singbal / Emilia Silveira bt Yasmin Sayed /Sachi Dhavalikar 21-13, 21-9
Mixed Doubles
Navneet Nasnodkar /Anushka Kuvelkar bt Frederick Fernandes / Emilia Silveira 19-21, 21-17, 21-13
