Goa’s Anura Prabhudesai pushed international shuttler Aakarshi Kashyap to the brink, but an injury forced the Geno brand ambassador to retire in the third game, during their Round-of-16 match in the individual competition of Badminton event at the 37th National Games at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium at Taleigao Plateau on Sunday morning.
Anura put up a robust display and held match points on at least three different occasions in the second game. The top Goan shuttler could have made history if she had managed to beat 37th National Games badminton top-seed Aakarshi.
Anura, who seemed to have some discomfort with her leg muscle, pulled out when Aakarshi was leading 13-7 in the third game.
Anura made a good start and looked on song in the first game 21-19. Aakarshi on the other hand, struggled from the start, making a number of unforced errors.
The 54-minute duel saw Anura stretch the World No 38-ranked Aakarshi, who saved three match points in the second game when trailing 17-20 on one occasion. The match was on the edge twice again when Anura led 22-21 and 23-22. However, with the injury hampering Anura and the top-level experience of Aakarshi, who came straight after her Denmark Open R16 exit to Goa, saw the Chhattisgarh-born shuttler clinching the second game 25-23.
Anura admitted that it was a very sad situation. The hectic schedule of the team championship that preceded the individual event, seemed to have taken a toll on the 25-year-old shuttler as she nursed a hamstring injury.
“I pushed myself more than 100 percent…but the luck factor also matters,” remarked Anura.
