Riya makes her mark in Juniors

Second Phase of State TT Championships 2020 starts in Gandhidham

Gandhidham,FEB 06: Bhavnagar’s Riya Jayswal created ruffles when the unseeded paddler upset Sheli Patel of Baroda in the Junior Girls qualifying rounds of the Stiga Cosco Gujarat State Table Tennis Championships 2020 at Gandhidham on Saturday.

On Saturday all the Junior category matches – boys and girls – were played. Main draw was in progress when this report was filed.

Gujarat State Table Tennis Association has organised the tournament with support of Kachchh District Table Tennis Association. This is the second phase, with first concluded last week.

Riya who competed in Cadet Girls till last year lost her first round match to much stronger opponent, seeded player Milli Tanna of Surat. However, Riya bounced back in her second qualifying match against Shelli with some aggressive display and forehand winners. Daughter of former state champion Jignesh, Riya registered 11-9 11-9 7-11 11-7 win over ninth seed.

Interestingly, Riya wasn’t a push-over for Milli. In fact it will not be an exaggeration to say, the Surti survived an upset. Bringing her experience into play, Milli, who trailed 1-2, won the last two games and the match 14-12 9-11 8-11 11-5 11-7. “It was a really good display. It is not because she is my daughter but giving a tough fight to Milli and then beating Shelli is worth appreciating because till last year she was a cadet player,” said Jignesh. According to the proud father, Riya’s topspin was the highlight of her impressive show.

Sheli lost her second match to Milli and bowed out. Milli who topped the group made it to the pre-quarters along with Riya, who finished second in the group. Riya was joined by her elder sister Namna in the pre-quarters after winning against Arnee Parmar and Angel Parkar.

Elsewhere it was business as usual, with Filzahfatema Kadri, Kausha Bhairapure and Aafrien Murad all making it to the knockout stage.

Youth category – boys and girls – matched are scheduled on Sunday.