Indian shuttlers Tasnim Mir, M Tharun win International Challenge singles titles

JAIPUR: Former junior world No.1 Tasnim Mir and Tharun Mannepalli won the singles titles at the St Denis Reunion Open International Challenge badminton tournament on Sunday.
In an all-India women’s singles final, third seed Tasnim defeated Rakshitha Sree 21-15, 21-19 in 42 minutes. World No. 75 Tasnim was always in control in the first game but faced stiff competition in the next game from Rakshitha, ranked 111 in the world.
In the semis, 19-year-old Tasnim toppled top seed and world No.63 Rosy Oktavia Pancasari of France in straight games. Gujarat’s Tasnim shocked higher ranked French woman 21-10, 21-17.
Tasnim was elated after claiming her fourth International Challenge title. “After a long time, I am making a mark again at the international level. This win will certainly add to my confidence for the rest of the season,” Tasnim told TOI on Sunday.
World No. 123 Tharun ousted Japan’s Yudai Okimoto 21-15, 21-15 to clinch the men’s singles crown. Seventh seed Tharun dominated the 51-minute summit clash against the Japanese. The 22-year-old had surprised third seed Enogat Roy of France in the quarters.
However, India had to be satisfied with the runners-up position in the men’s doubles.
Prakash Raj and Gouse Shaik went down against France’s Julien Maio and William Villeger 9-21, 14-21 in the final. Prakash and Gouse had knocked out top seeds in the quarters.