Dubai: On Friday, ISC badminton courts witnessed a record number of matches (89) in a day.
The 39th APEX Badminton tournament got off to a flying start. Local favorite Swaran Krishna had to fight out three well fought sets to overcome the skilled Dhyan Arjun Vijay. While Dhyan showed skills in tossing, Swaran counter attacked with his strength at the nets (16-21,21-16,21-15). Swaran will play Nabhan Najeeb in semis. The finalist will meet Fazim Abdu Ansar from Fujaira, who defeated Shourya Mukund in the semifinals.
Another local boy Vasanth also moved to semifinals in under 15 singles with a victory against Naveen Bobby – 21-15, 21-14. In another match, young and upcoming Joshua Yapp from Dubai, upset seeded ex Pakistani national player, Waqas Ahmed, in 3 sets. 22-20, 18-21, 21-19
On Thursday night, Riyas Ashar along with Binu George overcame a stiff challenge from former champion Robby Verghese and former Srilankan national player Deepika Siriyani, in veteran mixed doubles.
The crowd was kept on their feet by the most experienced players with an all-round display of skilled badminton. In Super Veteran Doubles Abdul Latheef/Musthafa reached the finals by defeating Santhosh / Sathyababu (21-12,21-18) .
In the girls under 15 event, Evana Bose defeated Nandana Subramaniam (21-06, 21-05). In the same event Srinidhi J defeated Swetha Sunil (15-21, 21-18, 21-7). In the under 18 boys’ singles, local boy Suraj Bhat lost to Stefan Castro (21-12, 17-21, 21-12).
