Mumbai : India No.8 and top seed Aman Balgu was class apart against junior Nishaad Shah, while second seed Noel Pinto once again outwitted redoubtable Eric Fernandes on their way to the men’s singles final of the JVPGC All Mumbai Ranking table tennis tournament, hosted by Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana Club on Monday. Incidentally, both Aman and Noel notched up identical 4-1 wins over their respective rivals.
Nishaad, having lowered the colours of many a seasoned campaigners on his way to the semis, found Aman of totally different class. However, before Aman could find his bearing, Nishaad grabbed the first game. But that was all Nishaad could achieve against the irresistable Aman, who thereafter just blasted the youngster left and right.
Aman hit his heavily spinning drives and smashes to Nishaad’s extreme forehand and backhand corners, which time and again left Nishaad bewildered. Aman triumphed 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-5, 11-5. On the other hand, Noel Pinto was equally severe on Eric, who tried his best to control and counter Noel’s allround attack, but found Noel much faster as the second seed went on to win 14-16, 11-7, 11-6, 11-9, 14-12. On the other side, Shweta Parte and Charvi Kawle made the women’s and youth girls finals.
