Maharashtra’s Shivanand Kundajee underlined his class as he won the men’s70+ singles title even as the fourth day of the 32nd Masters National Table Tennis Championships at the Balewadi Indoor Stadium in Pune served up a compelling mix of grit, experience, and high-quality rallies, as three finals reached their crescendo and crowned deserving champions.
The spotlight shone brightest on the men’s 70+ singles final, where Shivanand Kundajee underlined his class with a controlled yet assertive 3-1 victory over Madhya Pradesh’s Pramod Soni. Kundajee edged a tight opening game 11-9 and tightened his grip with an 11-5 second game. Though Soni showed resilience to pull one back (11-7), Kundajee’s composure in the fourth sealed the contest 11-6, capping off a dominant campaign.
Earlier, Kundajee had stormed past Percy Mehta in straight games in the semifinals, while Soni battled through a gritty four-game win over Yogesh Desai.
MP’s Rubi and Rashmi win a thriller
If the men’s singles final was about control, the women’s doubles 60+ final was pure drama. The Madhya Pradesh duo of Rubi Kaur and Rashmi Soni held their nerve in a see-saw five-game thriller against compatriots Sandhya Patwa and Sandhya Somani. Trading blows throughout, the match swung both ways before Kaur and Soni surged ahead in the decider to clinch it 11-6, sealing a memorable 3-2 triumph.
In contrast, the women’s doubles 65+ & 75+ final was a showcase of dominance. Maharashtra’s Rajeshwari Mhetre and Mythili Sodhi produced a commanding straight-games victory over Delhi’s Indu Sharma and Sunita Mudgil. With sharp coordination and relentless pressure, the pair wrapped up the title 11-6, 11-2, 11-9, rarely allowing their opponents any foothold in the match.
With three titles decided, the championships now build toward an even busier schedule in the senior age groups. The remaining finals are slated for Tuesday, after which players will enjoy a well-earned rest and depart for their destinations, hoping for better performance next year.
Telangana paddler Srinivas Chalavadi hogs the limelight by winning a double in 80+ category
Action will then resume in full swing from April 30 to May 4, featuring team events along with singles and doubles competitions in age categories 40+, 45+, 50+, and 55+, promising an exciting climax to the tournament.
Results: Men’s 70+ singles (final): Shivanand Kundajee (Mah) beat Pramod Soni (MP) 11-9, 11-5, 7-11, 11-6. Semifinals: Pramod beat Yogesh Desai (Mah) 13-11, 2-11, 11-8, 11-9; Shivanand beat Percy Mehta (Mah) 11-6, 11-4, 11-7.
Women’s Doubles 60+ (final): Rubi Kaur/Rashmi Soni (MP) beat Sandhya Patwa/ Sandhya Somani (MP) 11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6.
Women’s Doubles 65+ & 75+ (final): Rajeshwari Mhetre/Mythili Sodhi (Mah) beat Indu Sharma/Sunita Mudgil (Del) 11-6, 11-2, 11-9.
