Amalraj, Sutirtha win men, women singles titles in TT

Vijayawada : Anthony Amalraj had to put up a fight to win the season's first men single's title as an enterprising Sudhanshu Grover's fine run at the National Ranking (South Zone) Table Tennis Championships ended at the DRM Municipal Indoor Hall here on Wednesday.

The women singles crown went to Sutirtha Mukherjee, who scored a come-from-behind victory of 4-3 over Railways' Sagarika Mukherjee. It was her first title of the season.

Amalraj, who won 4-2, made good use of several seeds falling by the wayside before the final and captialised on the chances that came his way.

But it was not going to be easy against a spirited Sudhanshu, also from PSPB, who had some fantastic wins in the tournament.

Amalraj, who led 3-1, was given a momentary jolt by Sudhanshu before the veteran former national champion came into his own to wrap it up. The victory also earned him Rs 77,000 in prize money and full 90 points.

The Haryana girl must be given credit for the way she fought her way back in the summit clash and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Sagarika was leading 3-0 in what was a pedestrian final. Sutirtha upped the ante in the fourth game, with some good attacks and it worked to her advantage.

Sagarika kept repeating the mistakes of Sutirtha and could not keep the ball on table.

Sutirtha, who won her first title of the season, mounted pressure and the Railway girl succumbed.

Probably, the energy-sapping humidity might have added to the problems but Sutirtha kept her cool to emerge the winner and carry home Rs 66,000.