Key Highlights
- Manush Shah (RBI) overturned an early deficit to secure the men’s singles crown with a 4-1 victory.
- Diya Chitale (RBI) staged a dramatic comeback from 0-2 down, winning the women’s singles in a 4-3 thriller.
- Chitale also paired with Sreeja Akula to capture the women’s doubles title, achieving a rare singles‑plus‑doubles double.
- Men’s doubles were won by the duo Abhinandh and S. Preyesh Raj, while Akash Pal and Poymantee Baisya triumphed in mixed doubles.
Detailed Insights
The tournament concluded on 26 January at Surat’s Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Indoor Stadium. In the men’s final, Shah dropped the opening game 10‑12 to Payas Jain but responded with four straight wins (11‑6, 11‑6, 12‑10, 11‑8) by employing an aggressive topspin attack and relentless footwork.
The women’s final featured two seasoned competitors. Diya Chitale fell behind 10‑12, 8‑11 against two‑time champion Sreeja Akula, yet rallied to claim the next three games (13‑11, 12‑10, 11‑8). After Akula forced a 3‑3 tie, Chitale clinched the decider 11‑9, demonstrating composure under pressure.
On 25 January, Chitale joined forces with Akula in the women’s doubles. The pair edged out Suhana Saini and Prithoki Chakraborty 3‑2 after a tightly contested match, completing Chitale’s double triumph.
In the remaining categories, the partnership of Abhinandh and S. Preyesh Raj secured men’s doubles, while the mixed pair Akash Pal and Poymantee Baisya emerged victorious, highlighting RBI’s strong presence across all events.
Key Concepts
- Comeback Play: A strategic reversal of momentum after losing the initial game(s), often involving tactical adjustments.
- Singles‑plus‑Doubles Double: The accomplishment of winning both the individual and pair events in the same tournament.
- Decider Game: The final game in a best‑of‑seven match, played when competitors are tied 3‑3.