SAI Shuttlers, with a nail-biting 3-2 win over Maverick Squad, are now strongly placed with three wins in four outings, to join MBL Shuttlers, CENSEO Smashers and Paradise Warriors for a semifinal spot in the 8-team 5th MCF-Badminton Premier League, at Mandpeshwar Civic Federation’s courts here last night.
Lalita Katre
SAI Shuttlers were well served by 20-year-old Lalita Katre, who only a couple years back, was one of the top junior player in Mumbai. Now after a short break, she is likely to make a strong comeback in senior ranks this years. After Sai Shuttlers were trailing 1-2, Lalita and Sanjay Shah outplayed Uday Padiyar and Manish Mehta 15-7, 15-13 to equalize 2-all.And in the decider, Rupesh Katrodia and Deep Udeshi hammered a 15-4, 15-12 win over Shantanu Joshi and Milind Kolekar to steer their side through.
Results:
Sai Shuttlers bt Maverick Squad 3-2: OPEN DOUBLES (2): Rupesh Katrodia/Vikas Shetty bt Anoop Shetty/Manish Mehta 15-11, 15-15, 15-14. MIXED DOUBLES: Priya Shah/Saurbh Salgaonkar lost to Priya Ambekar/Deven Shah 9-15, 8-15. OPEN SINGLES: Jash Bhatt lost to Udit Kadakias 7-15, 6-15. OPEN DOUBLES (Vet): Sanjay Shah/Lalita Katre bt Uday Padiyar / Manish Mehta 15-7, 15-13. OPEN DOUBLES (1): Rupesh Katrodia/Deep Udeshi bt Shantanu Joshi/Milind Kolekar 15-4, 15-12.