Vietnam Badminton International, Duc Phat Le, on Saturday defeated Indian International, Samarveer, to claim the men’s singles Championship trophy at the 7th Lagos Badminton Classics.

Le recorded a 21-10, 18-21 and 22-20 (2-1) to beat Samarveer in a thrilling match that brought the best out of the two players.

An elated Le stated that he was lucky to win the match as he gave his best to achieve his aims.

“It was a very keenly contested final match that could have gone either way. In the end, I’m grateful that it was my day. I look forward to coming back next year to defend my title; it has been a competitive tournament,”Le said.

Samarveer in his reaction said that he worked hard in the game to put up a good fight but lost his confidence at the last minutes of the game.

“I am disappointed at the loss, although I played well but lost the match at the crucial moments of the game. It’s a tough loss because I have to move on and continue to work hard at my game,” Samarveer said.

In a related development, it was an all India affair as they dominated the women’s singles finals, women’s doubles finals and men’s doubles finals.

Shreya Lele beat her fellow compatriot, Kavipriya Selvam, 21-16, 21-11 to claim the women’s singles champion. 

Selvam partnered Simiran Singhi to defeat the pair of Alisha Khan and Vaishnavi Khadkeker, 21-11, 21-16 (2-0).

In the men’s doubles, the pair of Akshan Shetty from India beat their fellow nationals Pruthi Krishnamurthy and Vishmuvardhan Panjala 21-19, 21-17(2-0).

In the mixed doubles finals, Vaishnavi Khadkeker and Sathvuide Reddy defeated Nigeria’s duo of Aliu Shehu and Ukeh Deborah, 21-12, 21-14(2-0).

About 128 athletes from 18 countries participated in the competition which began on August 28 and ended on August 31 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos State.

(NAN)