Omkar Torgalkar, a former state champion and one of the most dangerous playersin the circuit, downed favourite and defending champion K.K.Rao to win the Khar Gymkhana- All India World Hardbat qualifiers, hosted by Sports Reconnect at Khar Gymkhana here today.
Omkar Torgalkar, winner of the All India Hardbat qualifier final, with the trophy and a cheque, poses with chief guest Nitin Shah, owner (Total Sports ) on the left and Sourav Ghosh, Director – Sports Reconnect and Rohitesh Haldar,TT secretary, Khar Gymkhana.
Penholder Rai took the first game as Omkar failed to control Rai’ varied jabs and blocks. But as the match warmed up, Omkar started to assert himself and won the coverted trophy , beating his opponent 5-11, 11-3, 11-7, 14-12, 11-9. He not only pocketed the trophy and cash prize of Rs 10000 but also booked a ticket for the World Hardbat challenge, to be beld at Alexandra Palace in London on January 23 and 24. More than 23 countries are expected to participate.
Omkar Torgalkar on his way to the title round, went past Ajay Patil in straight games in the quarter finals, but had tough time final against Vipul Narkar in the semifinal . Rai, on the other hand, beat Atmaram Gangarde in the quarter finals but struggled to get past Tejas Kamble, of Fr. Agnels 5-11 11-8 11-6 7-11 11-9 11-6.
There were around 120 participants, both men and women, young and old in all the age groups .
Results of the doubles final: K.K Rai/ Inesh Punjabi bt Omkar Torgalkar/ Murari 11-5 13-11 11-9.