Saneeth DS, Tasnim Mir clinch singles titles in VV Natu Memorial tournament

Karnataka’s Saneeth DS and Gujarat’s Tasnim Mir registered comfortable victories over their respective opponents to clinch the men’s and women’s singles titles in the VV Natu Memorial All India Senior Ranking badminton tournament here on Sunday.

Third seed Saneeth ended the dream run of qualifier Tushar Suveer 21-15, 21-12 in a 44-minute clash of two Karnataka players in the men’s final after Tasnim had got the better of Devika, who won the last ranking meet in Bengaluru, 21-16, 21-13.

While the youngsters ruled the singles categories, the experienced Aarthi Sara Sunil showed that she was still a force to reckon with as she teamed up with VS Varshini to clinch the women’s doubles crown.

The top seeds came from a game down to beat Karnataka’s former national champions Shikha Gautam and Ashwini Bhat K 17-21, 22-20, 21-18 in 53 minutes.

Shikha, however, stood atop the mixed doubles podium as she and Nitin Kumar, seeded second, defeated Dhruv Rawat and Radhika Sharma 15-21, 21-14, 21-17 in the final.

However, Rawat went home with a title to show for his effort as he clinched the men’s doubles crown, pairing up with Assam’s Suraj Goala. The top seeds defeated Akshan Shetty and Ravikrishna PS 21-15, 22-20 in 40 minutes.

Results:

Men’s singles: Saneeth DS bt Tushar Suveer 21-15, 21-12

Women’s singles: Tasnim Mir bt Devika Sihag 21-16, 21-13

Men’s doubles: Suraj Goala/Dhruv Rawat bt Ravikrishna PS/Akshan Shetty 21-15, 22-20

Women’s doubles: Aarthi Sara Sunil/VS Varshini bt Shikha Gautam/Ashwini Bhat K 17-21, 22-20, 21-18

Mixed doubles: Nitin Kumar/Shikha Gautam bt Dhruv Rawat/Radhika Sharma 15-21, 21-14, 21-17.