Maharashtra champs

NEW DELHI, Feb 5: If Andhra Pradesh women made history by lifting the Chadha Cup for the first time, the Rahamatulla Cup of joy overflowe...

NEW DELHI, Feb 5: If Andhra Pradesh women made history by lifting the Chadha Cup for the first time, the Rahamatulla Cup of joy overflowed for Maharashtra as Vijay Lancy lifted himself out of the debris to post a memorable win. Maharashtra regained a title they last won at Pune, two years ago.

It proved to be the worst day for Railways. Having lost the women’s title to Andhra Pradesh in another gripping game this time the doubles and with Maharashtra leading 2-1, Bakshi was on way to wrapping up at 14-2 in the decider. However, Lancy pounced on the net error by Bakshi and saved the first match point. Lancy shifted gear and picked six points on the trot before his smash did him in. Bakshi served at 14-8 for 2-2. After a long rally, Bakshi misjudged a Lancy drop. The Railway shuttler never got another chance. Lancy, gaining from strength to strength, levelled at 14-all and then closed at 17-14 to clinch the thriller 15-13 8-15 17-14.

Earlier, after Neelima Chowdary won her singles against BR Meenakshi at11-4, 6-11, 11-6, Andhra coach made a departure and preferred Neelima Chowdary to G Sharda to pair with PVV Lakshmi in the crucial doubles against Madhumita Bisht and BR Meenakshi. It worked well despite the Railway pair took the second game at 15-9. But the Andhra duo combined well, despite an ankle injury to Neelima she suffered it during her singles against Meenakshi to take the game at 17-14, 9-15, 15-9. Results (finals)Men team championship: Maharashtra bt Railways 3-1 (Nikhil Kanetkar bt Mangrish Palekar 11-15 15-4 15-9; Vikrant Patwardhan lost to Sachin Ratti 12-15 9-15; Vincent Lobo/ Rajiv Bagga bt Mangrish Palekar/ Amrish Shinde 15-5 15-17 15-6; Vijay Lancy bt Shrikant Bakshi 15-13 8-15 17-14.Women’s team championship: Andhra Pradesh bt Railways 2-0 (Neelima Chowdhary bt BR Meenakshi 11-4 6-11 11-6; PVV Lakshmi/ Neelima Chowdhary bt Madhumita Bisht/ BR Meenakshi 17-14 9-15 15-9.

Human activity, rising industrial emissions, and the surge in wildfires were identified as major contributors to the record levels. (File)

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