Women’s team pulls out of Asian C’ships

nHYDERABAD:INDIA’S women’s badminton team has pulled out of the Badminton Asian Championships in Manila, Philippines, starting February 11 due to the outbreak of coronavirus. The men’s team will, however, participate in the event. Badminton Association of India had to withdraw the women’s team after players and their parents showed reluctance in travelling.

“The women’s team was withdrawn owing to concerns showed by parents and players,” said Ajay Kumar Singhania, general secretary, BAI.

“BAI has reached out to Philippines Badminton Association and Badminton Asia for assurances regarding the current situation and necessary precautions are being taken. After discussion with the Indian squad, the men’s team has agreed to travel and participate,” he said.

PBL: NORTH EASTERN WARRIORS IN FINAL

Chennai Superstarz entered the Premier Badminton League semi-finals against North Eastern Warriors on the back foot with doubles star Satwiksairaj Rankireddy ruled out because of an ankle injury. It was an opportunity the North Eastern Warriors grabbed with both hands, beating Chennai 3-0 and reaching their maiden final at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium here. They will meet the winner of champion Bengaluru Raptors against Pune 7 Aces.

Legendary Korean doubles Lee Yong Dae and former world No.1 Kim Ha Na pulled off a thrilling mixed doubles win against B Sumeeth Reddy and Jessica Pugh in three tight games—15-12, 9-15, 15-14.

Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu, coming in next for North Eastern Warriors, comprehensively beat seasoned Tommy Sugiarto 15-12, 15-12. Indonesian Sugiarto had been unbeatable this PBL season winning four matches. On Friday, however, he fell to Cheuk Yiu’s deceptive game. The 23-year-old Cheuk Yiu, ranked 18th in the world, had a breakthrough 2019 winning— Hong Kong Open—surprising some big names on way, including Kidambi Srikanth. With his deft touches and deceptive game, Cheuk Yiu dictated the pace against Sugiarto, giving his team a decisive 2-0 lead.

Sumeeth Reddy and Dhruv Kapila were left with the task of bringing their team back into contention against Bodin Isara and Krishna Prasad Garaga in men’s doubles. It was a trump match for Chennai. Sumeeth and Kapila lost the first game and lived dangerously in the second to take it to the decider, but finally lost 13-15, 15-14, 10-15.