The 2nd State Ranking Veterans Table Tennis tournament hosted by MIG Cricket Club , Bandra, concluded late evening on Sunday, with the last finals in 64+ Men’s group played between former international Suhas Kulkarni and national Champion Deepak Dudhane. On past two occasions this year, Dudhane had beaten Suhas , however this time, Suhas had an edge over his skilful opponent, especially in the decider to win the game and match to become a champ.
Suhas Kulkarni receiving his prize
Earlier in the semi finals Suhas had beaten Ulhas Shirke 3-1, while Deepak overcame the challenge from Balkrishna Katdare by winning the match 3-1. Katdare had knocked out South Asian Veterans Finalist Satish Kulkarni in quarter finals, to find his place in semi finals for the first time in this group.
Dr.Anagha Joshi 50+ Women’s finalist poses with Men’s75+ Winner and R-up Purvez Davar & Zarir Khandadia
Another Star Player in this tournament and former international Sunil Babras proved his class while scoring 3-0 win over Ram kadam in the men’s 50+ singles.
There were big expectations from Ram in this finals, as he had given rock solid performance on his way to finals. In the pre quarters Ram had beaten Naveen Salian ( the conqueror of Sunil Babras in team finals) , followed by his victories against Nitish Kumar and Anil Rasam. But, Babras displayed his best game, which was highly appreciated by all those present for this match.
Mangal Saraf receiving her prize
In the men’s 60+ men’s Singles, evergreen Prakash kelkar continued with his current form winning his fourth title of this season. Just three days ago, he had won the 39+ Open Men’s Singles trophy at Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana Club’s 4 Star State Ranking tournament.
This time, once again he met his traditional opponent Dinkar alias Pappu Selarka and once again the spectators witnessed a very good match, though Prakash beat Dinkar 3-1, some of the rallies were well executed by both of them. Earlier in the semi finals Prakash had conceded a game before overcoming Jutu Mawani, who had surprised Suhas Dandekar in Quarter finals. In the other semi finals unseeded Dinkar Selarka had beaten Jayant Kulkarni 3-1.
Prakash kelkar displays his huge JVPGC Trophy, at MIG club, which he had won 3 days ago.
In the Women’s 60+ Singles current National Champion Mangal Saraf proved her supremacy winning her third title of the season. Mangal beat Sunanda Rao in three straight games to win this MIG Club championship. The women’s Singles 50+ witnessed a good match between Mumbai’s Dr.Anagha Joshi and Pune’s Suhasini Bakre, which Suhasini won 3-1. The Women’s 40+ Singles title was bagged by Sushma Mogre, dropping just a game against Chandrama Ramkumar, who had earlier in semis knocked out top seed Trupti Machve.
Former national level TT players Yogesh Gandhi( 2nd fromL ) & A.Doshi( Ext R) at the match venue.
Dr. Nitin Toshniwal from Solapur also proved his domination in 40+ group, with his sterling victory 3-1 over Dibyendu Chandorkar from Nashik. The enthusiasm of participants in 70+ and 75+ age group in Men was clearly noticed through the two finals played between Purvez Davar and Zarir Khandadia in 75+ and Zarksis Khandadia and A.S. Shaikh in 70+, with Zarksis and Purvez winning the battles.
Former National level TT players Yogesh gandhi and A.Doshi paid surprise visit to the match venue to watch the matches of their old friends . Though the participants and winners were happy with the cash prizes and trophies for the team winners, many of them were upset by the late schedule of their matches. The outstation players in particular were the most affected but they took it very sportingly, with the hope that next time the fixtures be drawn very thoughtfully.