WTT FEEDER | Sensational Senthil outclasses Bodhisatva

Senthil Kumar Mehan, a promising defensive specialist, saved three match points to keep his hopes alive of qualifying for the main draw of the men’s singles event at the WTT Feeder here on Wednesday.

Relying on his excellent control and sharp ball sense, Senthil outlasted left-hander Bodhisatva Chaudhury 11-13, 16-14, 6-11, 11-4, 12-10 in a 37-minute encounter in men’s singles qualification Group 13.

The contest — a clash between Senthil’s dogged defence and Bodhisatva’s heavy topspin-based attack — proved to be a treat for the handful of spectators at the SAMA Indoor Sports Complex.

Despite being repeatedly drawn into long rallies by Senthil’s deep backspin returns, Bodhisatva adjusted his strategy midway through the decider and began passing the defender with greater regularity to surge to a 10-7 lead.

Senthil, however, showed remarkable composure under pressure. Mixing up his defence with his well-timed forehand using the long-pimpled rubber, he forced Bodhisatva into a series of errors to claw his way back into the match.

As Senthil saved match points and turned the tide, Bodhisatva appeared both mentally and physically drained, before eventually succumbing. Senthil sealed the contest to warm applause from the stands.

Earlier in the evening, Aafrien Murad edged past Pranati Paramesh 18-16 in the deciding game in what was arguably the match of the day.

The qualification rounds will continue on Thursday, the second of the five-day international event, with several Indian paddlers still in contention for spots in the main draw.

Important results (qualification): Men: Senthil Mehan bt Bodhisatva Chaudhury 11-13, 16-14, 6-11, 11-4, 12-10; Yashansh Malik bt S. Preyesh Raj 11-8, 9-11, 7-11, 14-12, 11-8; Sriram Sivam bt Umesh Kumar 5-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-3, 11-7.

Women: Aafrien Murad bt Pranati Paramesh 7-11, 11-4, 11-7, 5-11, 18-16; Pritha Vartikar bt Senhora D’Souza 11-2, 9-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5; Ananya Muralidharan bt Kavya Baskar 6-11, 13-11, 7-11, 11-7, 12-10.