Chetan capitalises on conflict

MUMBAI, SEPT 1: Conflict causes stress. But ever so often, good comes from a difficult situation.Chetan Anand's is a point in case. The 1...

MUMBAI, SEPT 1: Conflict causes stress. But ever so often, good comes from a difficult situation.

Chetan Anand8217;s is a point in case. The 19-year-old shuttler, who finished runner-up in the recent Junior Grand Prix championship at Thane8217;s Dadoji Konndeo Stadium, owes his surge to the top bracket to a rift in the apex body governing badminton in the country.

A split in the Badminton Association of India BAI that led to the formation of the Indian Badminton Confederation IBC caused many senior players to stay away from the camp, giving Chetan the vital break.

The shuttler made the senior squad to the Asian Badminton Championships at Kuala Lumpur and the exposure two seasons ago changed the course of his career.

Predominantly a doubles player, having won the under-12 National title in 8217;92 and finishing second in 1991, 8217;94 and 8217;95 in the under-15 section, he reaped success after the visit to Kuala Lumpur and concentrated on singles thereafter.

This year has brought Chetan a run of successes. Hefinished runner-up in the German Open Junior tournament, losing to a German. In the Dutch Open that followed, he reached the semi-finals.

Back home, he won the Krishna Khaitan Memorial tournament at Chennai in June before finishing runner-up at the Thane event, losing to Arup Baidya.

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The Andhra Pradesh player took to the sport at age of 10 as he grew up in Vijayawada. Before long, he was picked by coach Bhaskar Babu for the Sports Authority of India SAI scheme. But for nine years, he was among obscure names doing the rounds in the National badminton circuit.

Attending a two-week camp in Malaysia under the watchful eyes of greats such as Indonesia8217;s Ardy Wiranata, China8217;s Han Jian and India8217;s Vimal Kumar helped mould Chetan8217;s game as he affirms: 8220;I learnt the importance of footwork and mental preparation.8221;

The stint at the camp preceded the Krishna Khaitan tournament and the nuances imbibed paved way for Chetan8217;s first-ever singles title of his career.

Chetan looked good for this second triumphat Thane but was reminded of the harsh realities of competitive sport. His footwork was neat as he covered the court with ease. After wrapping up the first game, he looked all set to win, but was undone by vagaries of form.

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8220;I gave away too many negative points 8230; I played very badly,8221; said Chetan as he sought to find reasons for his defeat in the final.

But with a steady all-round game, Chetan could well make amends in good time.