Kashyap upset Chetan: Saina wins Gold

Guwahati, Feb 18 (UNI) P Kashyap of Andhra Pradesh staged an upset when he humbled his state mate and reigning national champion Chetan Anand 21-19, 10-21, 25-23 to win the men's badminton Gold at 33rd National Games here today.

On the otherhand, Saina Nehwal, expectedly, proved too good for Maharashtra's Aditi Mutatkar winnig the women's Gold 24-22, 21-15.

Chetan came with a huge reputation but young Kashyap was agile and showed sharp reflexes as he covered the court well to turn the table on the national champion.

Kashyap suprised Chetan by taking the first game 21-19 after the national champion started on a positive note winning five points in a row.

Chetan bounced back in style taking the second game 21-10 in no time to draw parity.

The decider proved to be a battle of nerves for the duo and a treat to watch for the audience. Kashyap played intelligently by indulging his opponent in long rallies. It forced a visibly tired Chetan to commit errors at crucial time.

Kashyap held his nerves and took the final with a smash that landed to the left corner of Chetan's court.

In the women section, Sania Nehwal struggled initially but regained her wits to defeat Aditi Mutatkar in straight games.

Andhra Pradesh got the third Gold in the event when their women's doubles team defeated Asom 21-7, 21-4 in a completely one-sided affair.

UNI