Maharashtra State TT: TSTTA Paddlers Raegan Albuquerque, Sampada Bhiwandkar Clinch Crowns

TSTTA paddlers Raegan Albuquerque and Sampada Bhiwandkar clinched the men’s and women’s crowns respectively in the Maharashtra State Prize-Money Table Tennis tournament at the Khar Gymkhana on Saturday.

In the men’s summit clash, top-seeded Raegan Albuquerque proved streets ahead of the unseeded Mandar Hardikar (TSTTA), triumphing 4-0. The 11-7, 11-4, 11-5, 11-7 verdict is a testament to Raegan's aggressiveness and composure as he dominated with a degree of comfort.

Second seed Sampada Bhiwandkar (TSTTA) was likewise a clear cut above Kheya Shah (TSTTA), notching a 4-0 win. There was no stopping Sampada, who excelled both in attack and defence whilst carving out an 11-8, 11-4, 11-8, 11-7 win for the women's singles crown.

Thane lass Sukrati Sharma proved that she is the one for the future, annexing a grand double. Unseeded in the under-19 girls’ singles section, Sukrati stunned one and all with a fine display right through the tournament. In the final, Sukrati overwhelmed Arpita Borhade (Mum City) 4-1 with a hugely deserved 11-8, 13-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-5 scoreline.

She also picked up the girls under-17 pennant, with a 3-0 win over Ayushi Shirgaonkar (TSTTA). Sukrati, who was the top seed, romped home with an 11-6, 12-10, 11-2 triumph.

Results (all finals):

Girls’ U-17 singles: Sukrati Sharma (Thane) bt Ayushi Shirgaonkar (TSTTA) 3-0 (11-6, 12-10, 11-2).

Boys’ U-17 singles: 1-Akanksh Sahoo (TSTTA) bt Ahan Gosar (TSTTA) 3-0 (12-10, 11-6, 11-5).

Girls’ U-19 singles: Sukrati Sharma (Thane) bt Arpita Borhade (Mum City) 4-1 (11-8, 13-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-5).

Boys’ U-19 singles: 1-Arnav Kshirsagar (TSTTA) bt Ayush Sonawane (TSTTA) 4-1 (11-8, 11-9, 13-15, 12-10, 11-7).

Women’s singles: 2-Sampada Bhiwandkar (TSTTA) bt Kheya Shah (TSTTA) 4-0 (11-8, 11-4, 11-8, 11-7).

Men’s singles: 1-Raegan Albuquerque (TSTTA) bt Mandar Hardikar (TSTTA) 4-0 (11-7, 11-4, 11-5, 11-7).