Indians close play with wins

Anirban Ghosh and Jeet Chandra ended day one of qualification with strong wins over their opponents from Pakistan and Oman respectively.

The Indian’s have a good day overall, as Ghosh wrapped up a 3-0 (11-3, 11-5, 11-2) win over Syed Obaid Shah, taking him through to the next round. Similarly Chandra also won in straight games, beating Asad Alraisi on his home turf (11-6, 11-7, 11-8).

Bittersweet evening for hosts

Ahmed Zayed from Egypt was not the favorite man in Oman, as he defeated the hosts’ representative Issa Al-Riyami in straight games. Winning 3-0 (11-2, 11-5, 11-2), the African athlete looked very strong for his opponent throughout.

In good news for the home fans, Maadh Al-Shahi continued his good form as he accounted for Pakistan’s Faizan Zahoor in a strong 3-0 (11-8, 15-13, 16-14) win. Despite his best efforts in the last two games, Zahoor was unable to budge Al-Shahi from his way to victory.

Marchetti exits as Mukherjee comes from behind

Belgium’s Nathalie Marchetti was eliminated as she lost her second game in a comeback win for Sutirtha Mukherjee, with the score reading 3-2 (9-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-7, 11-8) in the favor of the Indian. Despite securing the first game, Marchetti could not prevent the recovery from Mukherjee.

Meanwhile, over at table 2 of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, it was a straight games win for Archana Girish Kamath, defeating compatriot Dita Parag Chitale 3-0 (11-5, 11-7, 11-8).

Abdulrahman Abdullahi secures winning start

In the closing session of the morning there were three straight-game victories, one of which came courtesy of Nigeria’s Abdulrahman Abdullahi who bested the host nation’s Asad Alraisi with a fine display (11-6, 14-12, 11-6).

The two other encounters to go ahead both produced wins for India as Jeet Chandra and Snehit Suravajjula came out on top in their respective meetings with Tarek Al-Samhoury (11-6, 11-7, 12-10) and Anirban Ghosh (12-10, 11-6, 11-4).

Shetty untroubled

Needing just three games to get the job done, Sanil Shetty leads the way in Group 2 of the men’s singles qualification race with the Indian competitor proving too hot to handle for Egypt’s Ahmed Zayed in the 11.40am session (11-7, 11-8, 11-4).

India also emerged victorious over on table 2 as Manush Utpalbhai Shah powered past Oman’s very own Maadh Al-Shahi 3-0 (11-7, 11-4, 11-5).

Belgian loses out in opening match

The only non-Indian player involved in the opening session of the day, Belgium’s Nathalie Marchetti experienced defeat in her opening Group 3 encounter as she lost out to Shruti Vijay Amrute in straight games (11-8, 11-5, 11-9).

One of India’s most exciting young talents, Archana Girish Ka-math is off to a winning start in Group 2 following her 3-1 victory over Moumita Dutta (11-7, 9-11, 11-4, 11-7).

Here’s what’s coming your way