GANDHIDHAM, April 1: Sonal Patel broke her international drought to record her maiden win while Paralympic silver medallist Bhavina Patel lived up to the expectations as the state’s para table tennis stars won gold medals at ITTF Fa40 Egypt Para Open 2022 in Ismailia (Egypt).
In the women’s singles classes 2-3, world no. 21 in women’s class 3 category Sonal as she snuffed the challenge from Iraq’s Hadeel Al Waeli 11-7, 11-7, 11-2 to record her maiden international triumph.
Later in the night, world no. 8 in the class 4 category, Bhavina overcame a late comeback from Iraq’s Rusul Al Waeli to register an 11-6, 13-11, 13-11 win in the final of women’s singles classes 4-5.
“Congratulations to Sonal and Bhavina for their impressive win at the ITTF Fa40 Egypt Para Open 2022 in Ismailia,” Gujarat State Table Tennis Association President Mr Vipul Mittra said. “A first win is always memorable and I hope the win will open the door for more international glory for Sonal,” Mr Mittra, IAS, said, adding, “Bhavina was playing her first tournament since her Paralympic glory. It is good to see that she dust off the rust and show why she is considered one of the best.”
Meanwhile, both Sonal and Bhavina started their campaign in doubles on a winning note.
In a mixed doubles class XW4-7 Group 3 tie, Sonal and Ramesh Chaudhary started their campaign with an 11-8, 11-6, 11-4 win over Kuwait’s Malak Ali and Yaqoub Al Qasem.
Bhavina joined hands with Usha Rathod to register a 13-11, 11-6, 13-11 win over Egypt’s Lamiaa Mohamed and Maona Abdelhak in the women’s doubles class WW5-10 Group 1 match.
In the mixed doubles class XW10 Group 1 match, Usha and Trivendra Singh had a battle in hand as they overcame a strong challenge from Egypt’s Wafaa Mohamed Younis and Ayman Kamal Abdelghafar Zenaty 7-11, 11-8, 12-10, 7-11, 11-8.
However, there were some disappointments as Ramesh and Jashavant Chaudhary suffered an 8-11, 6-11, 10-12 loss against Yaqoub and Ayman in a men’s doubles MW8 Group 3 tie.
Written by : Pranjal Protim Boruah