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Five Indians enter quarters of British Junior Open

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Press Trust of India Sheffield
Last Updated : Jan 29 2013 | 2:34 PM IST

Mahesh Mangaonkar (Under-19), Kush Kumar (U-17) and Velavan Senthil Kumar (U-15) in the boys section and Aparajita Balamurukan and Lakshya Ragavendran in the Girls Under-19 category entered the quarters of the Platinum Level event.

A spirited performance by unseeded Lakshya Ragavendran saw her fought back from a 0-2 deficit to win against 5/8 seed Finland's Emilia Soini 10-12 9-11 11-5 15-13 11-7.

Lakshya squandered a 7-5 and 10-7 first game lead and saw herself facing defeat after dropping the second game 9-11. However, she saved three match balls in the fourth game winning it 15-13.

The fifth game saw fortunes swing when Soini lead 5-0 playing some delightful drops. Lakshya came back roaring and took control of the game winning the next seven points.

An error from Lakshya got Soini back one point but Lakshya was determined and won the next four points playing with total aggression.

The biggest upset of the day was 9/16 seed Aparajitha Balamurukan, who knocked out 3/4 seed Egypt's Salma Esmat 7-11 11-9 11-5 6-11 11-9 to reach quarterfinals.

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Aparajitha started very tentatively but grew in confidence as the match went on. Droping the fourth game was critical for Aparajitha as Salma took control playing some exquisite drops and lobs.

In the fifth, there was no difference as the players were winning point for point until 8-8. At that juncture, Aparajitha broke open and took the lead. Salma saved one match point due to a volley drop error from Aparajitha. A forehand boast from Aparajitha sealed the historic victory for her.

There was further joy for the boys as Mahesh comfortably won against Fedrico Cioffi of Argentina 11-6 11-6 11-2.

Kush had to sweat it out before overcoming 9/16 seed Youseff Soliman of Egypt 11-7 11-6 10-12 11-9 and Velavan Senthikumar played brilliantly to win a five-game tussle against Charlie Lee from England 11-3 11-1 7-11 5-11 11-5.

  

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First Published: Aug 10 2010 | 6:26 PM IST

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