Sameer, Saili reach finals of Bahrain International Challenge

Young Indian shuttlers Sameer Verma and Saili Rane notched up contrasting victories in men's and women's singles respectively to reach the finals of the USD 15,000 Bahrain International Challenge at Isa Town.
Last Sunday, Sameer had won the men's singles title, while Saili had to be content with the runners-up finish in the USD 5,000 Bahrain International series. In less than a week, the duo once again fought their way to the finals.
Sameer saw off compatriot Rahul Yadav Chittaboina 21-13 21-17 in 38 minutes. Saili followed suit with a 19-21 21-13 21-13 win over Indonesia's Gabriela Meilani Moningka in a contest that lasted one hour and seven minutes.

Sameer, seeded 11th, will now take on fourth seeded Zi Liang Derek Wong of Singapore, while Saili will fight it out against fifth seed Nitchaon Jindapol.
Among other Indians, Arun Vishnu and Aparna Balan suffered a 16-21 19-21 loss to top seeds Danny Bawa Chrisnanta and Yu Yan Vanessa Neo of Singapore in mixed doubles, while women's doubles pair of K Maneesha and N Sikki Reddy lost 15-21 16-21 to Thailand combine of Chaladchalam Chayanit and Phataimas Muenwong.