Riya Bhatia Survives Scare to Reach Fenesta National Tennis Semis

Riya Bhatia Survives Scare to Reach Fenesta National Tennis Semis

Second seed Riya Bhatia faced a stern test in the quarterfinals of the Fenesta National tennis championship, battling past Yubrani Banerjee 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(5) at the DLTA Complex on Thursday.

Bhatia, a former champion and ranked 338th in the world in 2020, relied on her power play to take the first set 6-3. However, Banerjee, a superb counter puncher, fought back to win the second set 6-2.

The decider was a thrilling affair, with both players trading blows. Banerjee raced to a 5-3 lead, but Bhatia showed her resilience to turn the match around. She won the tiebreaker 7-5 to secure a hard-fought victory.

In the semifinals, Bhatia will face 15-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran, who has won six consecutive matches, including three in the qualifying event. The other semifinal will be between top seed Vaidehi Chaudhari and Pooja Ingale.

In the men’s section, lucky loser Rethin Pranav eased past giant killer Yash Chaurasia for the loss of four games. He will face Abhinav Sanjeev Shanmugam in the semifinals. The other semifinal will be between top seed Vishnu Vardhan and Nitin Kumar Sinha.

Chhattisgarh Draws Buchi Babu Semifinal with Lakshay Jain's Ten-Wicket Haul

Chhattisgarh Draws Buchi Babu Semifinal with Lakshay Jain’s Ten-Wicket Haul

Off-spinner Lakshay Jain’s remarkable performance propelled Chhattisgarh to a tame draw against TNCA XI in the Buchi Babu semifinal at the NPR College cricket ground in Natham. Jain’s five-wicket haul in the second innings, coupled with his five-wicket haul in the first innings, gave him a match haul of ten for 216.

Chhattisgarh, having secured the first-innings lead, opted not to enforce the follow-on. However, TNCA XI’s batting lineup struggled against Jain’s guile. Mohammad Irfan was dismissed leg before wicket, while Amandeep Khare’s expansive cover drive was thwarted by the spinning ball.

Khare, who had earlier struck two sixes, shared a 60-run seventh-wicket stand with left-hander Gagandeep Singh (30). However, Jain’s relentless bowling proved too much for TNCA XI, as he dismissed Jeevesh Butte and Anuj Tiwari in quick succession.

The umpires ended the match prematurely due to the lack of competitive play. Chhattisgarh’s first-innings total of 467, featuring Ayush Pandey’s 82, Anuj Tiwari’s 93, Amandeep Khare’s 97, and Prateek Yadav’s 109, proved to be insurmountable for TNCA XI.

Gujarat Spinner Siddharth Desai's Unconventional Run-Up Baffles Batsmen

Gujarat Spinner Siddharth Desai’s Unconventional Run-Up Baffles Batsmen

Gujarat left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai, known for his unconventional run-up, has been making waves in the ongoing Take Sports All India Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament. Desai’s unique approach to bowling from around the wicket has proven highly effective, particularly against right-handed batters.

Desai’s run-up begins over the wicket, where he cuts through the umpire and stumps. With a slight jump, he bowls from a position closer to the return crease. This exaggerated jump allows him to generate a sharp lift and nip on the ball, making it difficult for batsmen to handle.

In a recent match against TNCA President’s XI, Desai showcased his skills by claiming four wickets, all of which were right-handers. His ability to bowl from around the wicket and create an angle has been a key factor in his success.

Desai’s unusual run-up has drawn attention from cricket experts. He explains that it helps him get into a better position at the time of the jump, allowing him to use his body weight more effectively. By minimizing shoulder movement and relying on his fingers, he can transfer his weight better and generate more spin.

On pitches that offer bounce, Desai’s “nip” becomes even more threatening. The sharp lift and spin make it challenging for batsmen to adjust their timing and shot selection. Desai’s unique approach has made him a valuable asset to his team and a player to watch in the tournament.

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