Grand double for Pritha

Displaying tremendous confidence and playing with a high-level of consistency Pritha Vartikar of Pune continued with her impressive winning performances and easily defeated Samrudhi Kulkarni of Solapur, to clinch the junior girls’ singles title of the Dr Ramesh Prabhoo Memorial 82nd Maharashtra State Table Tennis Championship, organised by The Suburban District Table Tennis Association and played at the Prabodhankar Thackeray Krida Sankul, Vile Parle, here on Thursday.

The 14-year-old Pritha, who had earlier clinched the sub-junior girls’ singles crown on Wednesday, quashed the aspirations of left-handed Samrudhi by smoothly coasting to a 11-5, 11-6, 11-7, 11-5 win and to complete a grand double.

The reigning national sub-junior champion, played with controlled aggression and with quick top-spin drives on either flank she went on to rattle her Solapur opponent, who was unable to put up much of an opposition before caving in rather meekly.

Earlier, in a closely contested semi-final encounter, Pritha Vartikar had to work hard to overcome the spirited fight from home favourite Sampada Bhiwandkar (TSTTA) before snatching a deserving 5-11, 11-6, 11-5, 10-12, 11-4, 14-16 and 11-8 success to advance to the title round.

On another table, Samrudhi sidelined another Mumbai girl Vidhi Shah winning their semi-final clash in straight games.

Samrudhi served well and was quick to go for her shot to finish off the rallies as she strolled to a straightgame 11-5, 11-7, 11-9 and 11-3 victory.