Indian slicers dominate at SAARC C’ships

Ranjan ANANDAPPA

India’s number one Yoghesh Paradeshi (men) and I. Ilavahazki (women) reigned supreme at the 14th SAARC Carrom Championships organised by the Carrom Federation of Sri Lanka under the auspices of Asian Carrom Confederation at the Salon Anthurium Room at the Galadari Hotel yesterday. Sri Lanka’s 19-year-old Roshitha Joseph an A/L student of All Saints Convent, Borella was placed third giving a spirited display to overcome some stiff opposition from India’s Rashmi Kumari who lost 19-25, 0-25 in straight games.

Paradeshi defeated compatriot B. Radhakrishnan 25-18, 25-3 to secure the men’s title while I. Ilavahazki beat Kavitha Somanchi also from India in straight sets 25-24, 25-11. The participating countries are hosts Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Maldives.

The results; team event (women). India (I. Ilavahazki, Rashmi Kumari, Kavitha Somanhi). Sri Lanka (Rocitha Joseph, Chalani Lakmali, Madushika Kanchanamala). Maldives (Aishath Nima, Aishath Fainaz, Aminath Vishama).

Team event men. India (Yogesh Paradeshi, B. Radhakrishnan, Pragash Gaekwad. Bangladesh (Hafizur Rahman, K.G.H. Kabir, Mohammed Ali). Sri Lanka (Chamil Cooray, Nishantha Fernando, M.Sherifdeen.

Mixed doubles final. Pragash Gaekwad/Kavitha Somanchi (India) beat M. Sherifdeen/M. Kanchanamala (Sri Lanka) 25/13, 25/07. Women’s doubles. I. Ilavahazki/Rashmi Kumari (India) beat Roshitha Joseph/Chalani Lakmali (Sri Lanka) 25-5, 25-4.

Doubles Men’s. Yogesh Paradeshi/B. Radhakrishnan (India) beat Chamil Cooray/Nishantha Fernando (Sri Lanka) 25-11, 25-14. 3rd place. Hafizul Rahman/Mohammed Ali (Bangladesh).

Singles Men’s. Yogesh Pradeshi (India) beat B. Radhakrishnan (India) 25-18,25-3. Women’s. I. Ilavahazki (India) beat Kavitha Somanchi (India) 25-24,25-11.