Ajay Jayaram wins his maiden international title

Bangalore, Sep 8 (UNI) India's promising young shuttler Ajay Jayaram won his maiden International tournament title in Men Singles' in Waikato International at Hamilton, New Zealand.

According to a release from Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy here, 21-year-old Ajay defeated his Academy mate 16-year-old Prakash Jolly in straight games 21-11, 21-14.

In the quarterfinals, Ajay faced stiff competition from Japanese Rei Sato. Ajay prevailed 17-21, 21-11, 21-19 in a close 3-setter.

Prakash Jolly gave good account of himself in his first international event beating New Zealand Number two Joe Wu in straight games 21-14, 21-13.

In the womens'catergory, Ruth Misha and Neha Padnit lost to Japanese players. Ruth Misha lost in the quarterfinals to Chie Umezu, while Neha Pandit went down in the semi-finals to eventual winner Ayaka Takashashi 21-13, 21-10.

These young shuttlers, trained in Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, along with Coach Tom John, would move to Auckland to play in the Auckland International, from September 11 to 14.

UNI MSP DB RKM KN1923