India B' bag silver

Hyderabad paddler S. Fidel R. Snehit’s India ‘B’ team won silver medal in the team event of ITTF World Junior Circuit India Junior and Cadet Open (Premium) as they lost to India ‘A’ 1-3 at the Gautam Buddha University Hall in Noida.

Snehit’s teammates Anukram Jain and Parth Virmani who won gold medal in Slovenia, defeated United Arab Emirates ‘B’, Nepal and the combined team of Australia-Sri Lanka in the earlier rounds of Indian Open. But, India ‘A’ team comprising Manav Thakkar, Manush Shah and Jeet Chandra punched over their weight in the team event finals to clinch gold.

The second best Indian junior player in the recent world rankings, Snehit played a crucial role in bagging silver for the team as he put his skills to good use.

The Hyderabad paddler outclassed Jeet Chandra 11-8, 11-4, 11-3 in the final and reduced the overall deficit. In the first game Jeet was confident and scored points but Snehit eventually overpowered his rival.

After winning the first game, Snehit gained confidence and kept his winning momentum for the next two games to take the match.

In the doubles section, Manav and Manush of India ‘A’ team defeated Snehit and Anukram Jain pair 11-4, 11-2, 11-8. It was an easy victory for the winners as they didn’t leave space and wrapped up the match in straight games.

In another singles match, Manav sealed a comfortable 11-8, 11-4, 11-8 victory over Snehit. Manav overtook Snehit with ease as he triumphed.

“We couldn’t repeat the feat of Slovenia in the Indian Open. I’ll give my best to improve my world standing in this tournament in the remaining matches,” Snehit, who practices at Global Table Tennis Academy (GTTA), said.

With the silver claimed in Indian Open, number of international medals for Snehit this season reached six. He won a gold (singles) and two silver medals (team and doubles) in Jordan Open. In Slovenia Open which was held earlier in September he claimed a gold (team) and bronze (doubles).

Results
n Junior boys final: India ‘A’ bt India ‘B’ 3-1. Jeet Chandra lost to Snehit 8-11, 4-11, 3-11; Manav Thakkar bt Parth Virmani 11-7, 11-5, 11-8; Manav/ Manush bt Snehit/ Anukram Jain 11-4, 11-2, 11-8; Manav bt Snehit 11-8, 11-4, 11-8.
Players standings
n 1. Thakkar Manav Vikash India (1520 points), 2. Panagitgun Yanapong Thailand (1202 points), 3. Suravajjula Snehit India (1126 points).