Goa’s top-ranked shuttler Michael Ryan Mare kept the home state’s hopes alive on Day two of the Yonex-Sunrise All India Sub Junior (U-13) Ranking Badminton Tournament, at Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim.
Michael partnered Sai Charith Abbu of Telangana and won their Boys Doubles Round 2 match, defeating Ajinkya Desai (MAH) and Aadvik Sah (UTR) in a tight contest 17-15, 5-15, 15-9 to move into the next round. Meanwhile, Goa’s Samarth Sakhalkar continued his spirited run in the Boys Singles, edging out Venkat Sai Hishal Kaki (TS) 15-12, 15-17, 20-18 in a thrilling Round 3 match before going down to Milkha Shinoy S. (KER) 12-15, 9-15 in Round 4.
Other Goa players faced tough competition in the qualifiers. Vishwa Parab bowed out in Round 3 despite a strong start, losing to Panshul Seth (ORI) 15-10, 10-15, 12-15. Daksh Kamat was ousted by Maharashtra’s Prathamesh Jagdale 7-15, 5-15. In Girls Singles, Amaira Dhumatker impressed again but was edged out in Round 3 by Jiyashree R. (TN) 9-15, 8-15. Goa’s Kanika Pai Vernekar too exited in Round 2, going down 7-15, 5-15 to Samanvitha Padamata (AP). Goa’s Boys Doubles pair Pratik Naik Borkar and Varun Sahakari lost 4-15, 4-15 to Advait Sattu and Advik Shukla of Telangana.
Among the top nationally ranked qualifying seeds, Kandarp Khatri (UP) stunned second seed Kyon Tamin (ANP) 13-15, 15-5, 15-10 in Boys Singles Round 4. Meanwhile, third seed Jatin Saraf (MAH) powered past Pratham Sandeep Bayar (KTK) 15-6, 15-6, and fourth seed Kian Yadav (RAJ) crushed Abhiraj Singh (UTR) 15-2, 15-4. In Girls Singles, top seed Twinkle Malik (HAR) had a smooth passage into the next round, defeating Adyasha Lenka (ORI) 15-8, 15-13. Padmja Singh (2), RAJ, beat Tanya Nanubolu (AP) 15-5, 6-15, 15-8, while third seed Vanya Choudhary (UP) dismissed Kavya Vora (GUJ) 15-2, 15-4.
The tournament is being organised by the Goa Badminton Association under the aegis of the Badminton Association of India and the Sports Authority of Goa with the main draws starting on Wednesday.
