Indians, Abahani rule team events

Abahani's Tumpa (L) and Soma smile after winning the women's team title in the Beximco-Abul Hashem Smriti Table Tennis Championship at the Woodenfloor Gymnasium yesterday. Photo: Courtesy

India' Salt Lake TT Academy lifted the men's team crown in the Beximco-Abul Hashem Smriti Table Tennis Championships by winning an all-foreign final against Nepal in straight sets at the Woodenfloor Gymnasium yesterday.

The Indian team, made up mostly with Kolkata-based players, entered the final by thrashing Pakistan Wapda 3-0 in the second semifinal. They were however stretched in the first set by Nepal who had won the SAF Games bronze medal.

Salt Lake TT Academy's Amit began well when he took the first two games 11-6, 11-5 but Nepal's R Kapali fought back to win the next two games 11-4, 11-9. Amit, however, relieved his teammates when he outplayed his Nepalese rival 11-5 in the decider.

There were no more hiccup for the Indians. Anirban came from behind to beat Nepal's S Powdel 8-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-3 while Prithviraj wrapped up the show blanking R Sakra 11-6, 11-6 and 11-9.

Earlier, Nepal dashed local hopes when they handed Bangladesh Biman a 3-0 defeat in the first semifinal.

Biman, who had the country's top players like Mosaddekul Haque Rochi, Mahbub Billah and Hamlet, had ignited hopes by beating Pakistan 3-2 in a thrilling group match on Sunday.

The Indians are also favourites in today's men's singles final.

Meanwhile, Abahani won the women's team title by outplaying crushing Bangladesh Biman 3-0 in yesterday's final.

Tumpa beat Jayati of Biman 11-6, 5-11, 11-8 and 11-8 before Soma made it 2-0 for the Sky Blues defeating Rumi 11-8, 12-10, 4-11, 11-2. Tumpa and Soma then paired to win the doubles match against Biman's Rumi and Ratna 11-5, 11-4, 11-6.

Abahani, the local giants in football, cricket and hockey, started taking part in table tennis competitions from last year.

Earlier, Abahani eliminated Jessore 3-1 and Biman ousted Patuakhali 3-0 in the semis.

The women's singles will be decided today.

Wari Club clinched the boys' title with identical 3-1 wins over Biman in the semis and Narail in the final.

Shovon of Narail defeated Wari's Helal 11-8, 9-11, 12-10, 9-11 and 11-7 but Wari's in-form paddler Krishna took the second and fourth sets against Rajib (11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 11-9) and Shovon (9-11, 11-3, 16-14, 12-10) respectively. Rocky won the third set for Wari 11-13, 11-7, 11-2 and 11-4 against Rana.