BANGALORE, April 2: Pullela Gopi Chand (IOC) will clash with teammate Nikhil Kanetkar in the men's final while Aparna Popat (IOC) will take on PVV Lakshmi (BPCL) for the women's title of the XIX Petroleum Sports Control Board All-India Inter-Unit Badminton tournament.In the semi-finals today, Gopichand defeated Vincent Lobo 15-10, 15-9, while Kanetkar downed Anuj Gupta 15-10, 15-2.In the women's section National champion PVV Lakshmi of BPCL dashed the title-retaining aspirations of defending champion Manjusha Kanwar of IOC in the semifinals .Lakshmi's 11-5, 11-4 win over the India No 2 not only enabled her to a title tilt with National champion Aparna Popat of IOC in the women's singles on the morrow, but also put her in line for a double after winning the doubles crown. Aparna Popat, the world No 28 won her semifinal match without much ado, at 11-2, 11-1, against Archana Deodhar to take a shot at the coveted title.
