Memorable march for Pawar

It has been a memorable march for Anand Pawar this month. Within days of winning the Austrian Open, Indian badminton8217;s new hope won the Portuguese International Championships today. Pawar defeated England8217;s Carl Baxter 21-15, 21-3 in the final. And with the Indian Open to be held in the first week next month, Pawar is quite excited. 8220;It will be a different level. There will be pressure but now I know that I can win tournaments,8221; says the 21-year-old.

Pawar lists several positives from his two wins in four tournaments. 8220;I have been having problems against Asian opponents but here in the quarters I defeated a Japanese. Besides, I have been on my own during this European swing. These things have added to my confidence,8221; he says.

Ajay Jayaram had lost to Pawar8217;s opponent today in the semi-finals. P Kashyap made it to the second round, where he lost to Jayaram. In doubles Rupesh Kumar and SanaveThomas finished runners-up. They lost to the top seeded Dutch pair of Ruud Bosch and Koen Ridder 21-19, 22-20.