Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponappa win women’s doubles title at Canada Open

New Delhi: Shuttlers Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa clinched the Canada Open women’s doubles title, upstaging the top-seeded Dutch pair of Eefje Muskens and Selena Piek in Calgary on Sunday night. The third seeded Indians triumphed 21-19, 21-16 in a contest lasting 35 minutes. In a close opening game, Jwala and Ashwini — 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallists — broke away from 19-19 and converted the lone game point opportunity to grab the initiative.

The Indians dominated the second game and raced to a 5-0 lead before going from 10-6 to 15-6 up. Muskens and Piek fought back to win nine points on the trot and tie the game at 15-15. But Jwala and Ashwini did not let the advantage slip and won six of the next seven points to clinch the title. This was Jwala and Ashwini’s first title since their reunion after the 2012 London Olympics.

Ecstatic on the title win, Ashwini said consistency had been the key to their success and this victory was a big boost ahead of the prestigious World Championship in August. Ashwini and Jwala, bagged as many as four bronze medals last year but a title win has eluded them and Ashwini said it was nice to annex a trophy after a long time.

“It’s a fantastic win. We have been playing well and have been consistent. Winning the tournament just before the world championship is a great boost. Naturally, the worlds in August is the next target for us,” Ashwini said.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday congratulated the star women’s doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa for winning the Canada Open Grand Prix badminton title. “The victory of the shuttlers will serve as a motivation for sportspersons,” he said in a statement here.

Jwala and Ashwini won the Canada Open women’s doubles title after upstaging the top-seeded Dutch pair of Eefje Muskens and Selena Piek 21-19, 21-16 in the summit clash at Calgary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, saying that he was proud of them for the wonderful victory. “Very proud of @P9Ashwini & @Guttajwala for the wonderful victory at the Canada Open. Congratulations to the brilliant sportspersons,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted.