The IMPTTA witnessed its biggest upset yesterday as A.M. Warunkar, defying all odds, came from behind to defeat top seed P.V. Ramkrishnan in a thrilling five games. Playing in the Men’s 74+ category at the Andheri Sports Complex, Warunkarkar clinched the match with scores of 9-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-6, securing a well-deserved spot in the final of the 1st Indo Masters Players Tournament National Championship.
The match was a showcase of high-energy exchanges, with both players displaying exceptional skill through smashes, slices, and quick reflexes. Despite trailing after the first two games, Warunkarkar staged a stunning comeback to take control and dominate the final three games, leaving the crowd in awe.
In the other Men’s 74+ semifinal, Mulund Agarwal cruised past Gyan Jain in straight games at 11-5, 11-6, 11-4, setting up an exciting final clash with Warunkarkar.
Percy Mehta caused another major upset of the day ,when he beat top seeded and reigning National Champion Ulhas Shirke 3-1 in the Quarter finals of Men’s 69+ Singles. Earlier, in Pre Quarter finals, Percy had a tough time overcoming Mr. Ranga Rao from Telangana. Percy won 3-2 against him. Both Percy and Ulhas will be facing each other once again tomorrow, when Maharashtra A team led by Ulhas Shirke with former World Masters’ Champ Yogesh Desai, Deepak Dudhane and Antonio Gomes will take on their B team comprising of Percy Mehta, Shivandand Kundaje, Milind Moghe and Mr. Nanijkar at 9 am in the morning.
Mr. Arwind Prabhu , president of IMPTTA welcomed by Samir Bhate ( Hon.Secretary) and Ulhas Shirke ( Sr. V.P. IMPTTA) during grand inauguration of this tournament. Chief Guest Premjit Rananavare, Dy. Commissioner, Sales Tax, ( seen at Extreme Left) along with IMPTTA Committee members. ( Seen on Right side)
In a thrilling quarter final Mixed doubles match of 64+ Ulhas Shirke partnering Ujwala Marathe beat fourth seeded pair of Jitu Mawani and Sunanda Rao. Down 0-2, Ulhas and Ujwala recovered quickly to level the scores and take the decider with confidence.
In the Women’s 64+ category, Suhasini Bakre overcame the spirited challenge from Maithili Sodhi to win 11-5, 11-6, 12-10 in a closely fought encounter. Meanwhile, Mangal Saraf booked her place in the final with a commanding straight-games victory over Rajeshwari Mhetre, winning 11-5, 11-8, 11-5.