Apeksha Nayak proceeds into final match of 2012 Karnataka State Ranking Badminton Tournament
The budding female shuttler Apeksha Nayak showed maturity in the semi-final round of Belgaum 3 Star Karnataka State Ranking Badminton Tournament and qualified for the title match on September 3, 2012.
This showdown was part of the Girl’s Singles Under-17 event and it remained in full swing for three exhausting sets.
Apeksha Nayak showed unbeatable craft on the court and sent Savita R N packing by registering a favourable result of 21-17, 19-21 and 21-19.
The victorious contender served notice of her supremacy in the opening and closing games of the match whereas the higher ranked opposing shuttler could rise only in the middle of the battle.
Apeksha, who was holding third spot in the tournament ranking, made her intentions clear in the very first set of the match.
She gained control over the pace of the rallies and in no time strengthened her grip by gathering valuable points in a row.
She did not show any sign of confusion and played with great conviction to finish the first half of the set with a respectable total of 11.
After mid-game break, Savita strived hard to come out of the deficit but she could not keep the bird in her control and surrendered after reading 17-21 score on the board.
The second set changed the scenario as this time it was Savita’s turn to raise hands as victor. She started making progress by ruling the court in a couple of uninterrupted rallies.
She carried that rhythm successfully and cornered her rival with a flurry of well crafted strokes.
She placed an indomitable total of 11 at half time and started the latter part of the game with a psychological edge.
At this stage, Apeksha showed some spark but it was not enough to burn down Savita who fetched the second match point with a favourable figure of 21-19.
The spectators were expecting a lot of fireworks in the decider and they were entertained by both shuttlers with a splendid show of skills.
Initially, Apeksha established a decent lead but then she could not withstand a strong backlash and lost her grip over the game.
However, she struck hard when it mattered and put a convincing margin of 21-19 to setup final clash with Mira Mahadevan.
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