Back-to-back titles for shuttler Verma in Bahrain

NAGPUR: It has been a dream fortnight for Sameer Verma. The fast rising Indian shuttler has pocketed two titles in as many weeks to establish himself as the front runner to join the big league of Srikanths and Kashyaps.
In the men’s singles final of the Bahrain International Challenge Badminton tournament at Isa Town on Saturday night, Verma shocked fourth seed Zi Liang Derek Wong of Singapore 21-14, 21-10 to clinch back-to-back titles.The in-form Verma, who won the Bahrain Series last week at the same venue, steamrolled his fancied opponent in just 27 minutes to grab his fourth international title.
Eleventh seed Verma dominated the world No. 47 Wong throughout the match. The 22-year-old Verma attacked from the word go and gave no chance whatsoever to his higher ranked opponent. However, it was so near yet so far for Saili Rane. The unseeded Indian could not continue her dream run in the women’s singles final. Rane fought well initially but Thailand’s Nitchaon Jindapol won the battle 24-22, 21-10 in 43 minutes to hand second consecutive defeat for Rane in the finals. Last week too, Rane had lost in the final in the Bahrain Series.
Verma, an employee of Railways and world No. 60, admitted that he has been in great touch this season. “I am obviously very happy about my performance in the last couple of weeks. Winning two titles in a row was pretty satisfying. This will definitely boost my confidence as I am planning to play in the major tournaments soon. But I think I have a long way to go,” Verma told TOI on Sunday.
Verma’s elder brother Sourabh also trains at the Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad and was ranked 30 in the world few years ago.
INDIAN RESULTS (Finals)
Men’s singles: 11-Sameer Verma bt 4-Zi Liang Derek Wong (Singapore) 21-14, 21-10.
Women’s singles: Saili Rane lost to 5-Nitchaon Jindapol (Thailand) 22-24, 10-21.