Chirag Mahale and Soham Naik produced the standout giant-killing performances at the BPS State Badminton Ranking Tournament, organised by BPS Sports Club in aegis with the Goa Badminton Association, at Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim.
Chirag stunned West Zone Silver medallist Arjun Rehani in straight games, prevailing 15-13, 15-13, while third-seeded rising Sanquelim talent Soham Naik accounted for top junior player Advait Balakrishnan 15-12, 15-7 in the Men’s Singles Round of 16.
Top seed Nishant Shenai advanced with a 15-10, 15-11 win over Sahil Sayed, while Rahul Deswal upset sixth-seeded Anuj Vernekar 15-11, 15-8. Fifth seed Ayaan Shaikh overcame Karan Dhavaskar 17-15, 15-9, while Devansh Sakpal edged Shaheen C K 14-16, 15-10, 15-10. Sushil Nayak defeated Rutav Kanabar 15-11, 13-15, 15-10, and Arjun Bhagat made a strong start with a 15-4, 15-8 victory over Sudhanva Udupa.
