Arvind Bhat lifts New Caledonia Open Title

Bangalore, July 30 (UNI) Arvind Bhat of India upset World No 48 Pablo Abian of Spain 2-1 to win the New Caledonia open, the 5,000 dollar Badminton World Federation satellite event that concluded in the French Island yesterday.

Arvind, playing in international circuit after an year-long injury lay-off, rallied from 8-13 down in the decider to post an exciting 21-15, 12-21, 21-19 win.

The win would be a morale booster for the Karnataka lad, who suffered a severe ankle injury last year, a release from TATA Padukone Badminton Academy said here today.

The former top ranked Indian had creditable wins over world no four Kenneth Janassen of Denmark, world no 11 Bjorn Joppien of Germany and world no three Simon Santoso on way to the title triumph.

He also won the doubles event, partnering with another Bangalore boy and BPCL mate Ajit Wijetilekk. ''I am satisfied with my fitness as I had to play four matches on Saturday and two finals on Sunday morning,'' he said.

UNI