SPORTS

Kathmandu Sunday July 08, 2001 Ashadh 24,  2058.

Milan dominate first Gillette badminton tournament

KATHMANDU, July 7 (PR)- Ukesh Shrestha of Milan School defeated Raju Gurung of Sunrise School 15-6, 15-1 in a one-sided final to clinch the senior boys’ title of the Gillette badminton tournament played here today.

Shrestha looked composed throughout the match and unlike his rival played his shots with confidence. Gurung, on the other hand, was not able to dictate terms even for once during the entire course of the match.

Milan School had a lot to cheer about than the boys’ singles title. The Milan boys also bagged the senior boys’ doubles and junior boys’ singles title.

In another title clash between Milan and Sunrise School boys, Raju Tamang of Milan was able to lift the junior boys’ title beating Sandeep Shrestha of Sunrise School 11-8, 11-14, 11-1. Tamang, with a calm approach, was able to edge out Shrestha, who looked equally impressive enough for the title.

After being dominated in the first game, Shrestha came back well in the second game with some aggressive play. Tamang, who had a minor concentration lapse in the second game, was outplayed by Shrestha as he took the penultimate game 14-11.

However, to the dislike of Sunrise’s fans, Tamang regained his composure in the deciding game, thrashing a tired looking Shrestha 11-1.

Milan students showed their dominance in the title matches adding the senior boys’ double trophy to their rack. The pair of Ukesh Shrestha and Tara Budhamagar outscored Birat Timilsina and Dinesh Khadka of LRI School in straight games 15-2, 15-9.

The major weapon of the Milan pair seemed to be the coordination between both the shuttlers as they outplayed the LRI pair, in front of a cheering crowd. Apart from coordination, the shot selection of the Shrestha/Budhamagar duo was exquisite.

Earlier, the host team found some solace in otherwise not-so-illustrious tournament when Renu Subba overpowered Dolma Pokhrel in an all Gillette final of the ladies’ (Teachers’) singles 11-8 and 11-8.

Mukunda Bhaktha Shrestha, councilor for the Republic of Iceland presented the trophy, medals and certificates to the participants and officials of the tournament. Milan School, with three individual titles and one team title, was declared the best side of the tournament.