Pakistan shuttler lifts India club title

Waqas Ahmad of Pakistan lifted the prestigious men’s singles trophy in the India Club-Western Union UAE Open Badminton Tournament played at India Club. Speaking after receiving the trophy from Sunil Singh, the convenor of Sports in India Club, Ahmad said: “I cannot express my joy over being able to win the men’s singles title as this is the most prestigious tournament in the region.” Ram Buxani, the chairman of the India Club remarked that the “India Club badminton tournament, which began in 1978 is open for all nationalities and even top-ranked players and hence players from different parts of the world now fly in to compete in the event.” Ahmad beat Xavier Raphael in two straight sets 21-14, 21-13 to win the title.The ladies singles final was a clash between Judith Meulendijks from Netherlands and Johanna Golizewski from Germany. Meulendijks won in two straight sets 22-20, 21-17. Interestingly, Judith and Johanna also came to Dubai from their respective countries to play in the tournament. Judith’s highest world ranking so far has been No 10 while that of Johanna has been No 42. After receiving the trophy both the finalist promised to return next year to play in the event. In the men’s mixed doubles finals, Ahmad combined with Jayashree Nair to beat Asep Andriana and Aileen Roesslers in a hard fought match that went into three sets 20-22, 21-17, 26-24. Giving hope for a promising future for players from UAE, the boys under 16 singles final was won by Akhil Pradeep beating Roshan Joseph 21-20, 14-21, 21-18. Incidentally, both the boys are from Indian Social Club in Fujairah. In the men over 40 years singles finals, Raphael defeated James Varghese. The first match went in favour of James while Raphael made a comeback in the next two rounds thus winning the title. The match scores were 13-21 21-19, 21-12. From Gulf news.