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A spirited performance by unseeded first time British Junior entrant, Lakshya Ragavendran fought back from a 0-2 deficit to win her pre quarter final against 5/8 seed Emilia Soini from Finland in the U19 category.
Lakshya squandered a 7-5 & 10-7 first game lead and saw herself facing defeat after dropping the second game 9-11. However, after a convincing 3 game performance, Lakshya saved 3 match balls in the 4th game, winning it 15-13. The 5th game saw fortunes swing when Soini lead 5-0 playing some delightful drops. Lakshya came back roaring and took control of the game winning the next 7 points. An error from Lakshya got Soini back one point but Lakshya was determined and won the next 4 points, playing with total aggression. “It was a dream for me to reach the quarterfinals of a British Open, I am so so happy” said a jubilant Lakshya.
Upset of the Day
The biggest upset of the day was 9/16 seed Aparajitha Balamurukan, who knocked out 3/4 seed Salma Esmat (EGY) 7-11, 11-9, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9 to reach quarterfinals in Girls U19 category. Aparajitha started very tentatively but grew in confidence as the match went on. Droping the 4th game was critical for Aparajitha as Salma took control playing some exquisite drops and lobs. In the fifth, there was no difference as the players were winning point for point until 8-8. At that juncture, Aparajitha broke open and took the lead. Salma saved one match point due to a volley drop error from Aparajitha. A forehand from Aparajitha sealed the historic victory for Aparajitha (1st time quarterfinalist in 7 BJO appearances). “I am very happy with my performance today, played well, especially in the 5th game” said Aparajitha
There was further joy for the boys; Mahesh Mangaonkar has a comfortable victory in the boys U-19, Kush Kumar had to sweat it out before overcoming 9/16 seed Youseff Soliman (EGY) and Velavan Senthikumar played brilliantly to win a 5 game tussle against Charlie Lee from England.
Record
It is worthy to note that this is the first time ever that there will be 5 Indians in the quarterfinals at the British Junior Open.
This is my 10th year at the Open and for the first time ever we have 5 players in the quarter finals. We have had super success today. Lets hope we can continue this tomorrow.
Results (all pre quarter finals):
Mahesh Mangaokar bt Fedrico Cioffi (ARG) 11-6, 11-6, 11-2Lakshya Raghavendran bt Emilia Soini (FIN) 10-12, 9-11, 11-5, 15-13, 11-7Aparajitha Balamurukan bt Salma Esmat(EGY) 7-11, 11-9, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9Kush Kumar bt Youseff Soliman (EGY) 11-7, 11-6, 10-12, 11-9Velavan Senthikumar bt Charlie Lee (ENG) 11-3, 11-1, 7-11, 5-11, 11-5
