39th Apex-ISC Badminton Tournament: Xavier Raphael reaches finals

by news
•
January 12, 2016

Abu Dhabi: The current UAE Masters champion Xavier Raphael had a walk in the park and crushed Reji Thomas 21-11, 21-15 in the semi finals of the Masters Singles (above 40 yrs category) in the 39th ISC UAE Apex-Yonex Open Badminton Tournament held at the India Social Centre, Abu Dhabi.
Later on, Xavier Raphael with Rafeek P K defeated Vinod Kodakken and Siraj Choori in straight sets (21-10, 21-16) to advance to the Semifinals of the Masters Doubles (above 40 yrs) category. In another match, Shaji Ibrahim and Frank Jesperniete overcame Prashanth R. and Devendra Singh Rawath (21-14, 21-17) in the first round of Masters Doubles (above 40 yrs).

In Men’s singles quarterfinals, new entry Vinod Kumar had to sweat out in defeating the seasoned ISC talent and Seed No. 3 of the tournament, Shinoy Sasidharan in three grueling sets (12-21, 21-18, 23-21).

“Being a doubles player, it was really hard to keep up with Shinoy in the long rallies.  Finally, with my persistence and a little bit of lucky net shots, I managed to overcome him”, said Vinod Kumar after his singles match.  “Also, it is really a good fortune to qualify for the Semifinals in one of the most popular badminton tournaments in UAE”, added Vinod.

Vinod Kumar then combined with Avinash S. Kumar to defeat Jamsheer P.M.R. and Shihan S. in straight sets (21-12, 21-09).  In another Men Doubles match, Endi Madullah/Jaffar Ibrahim pair beat Mohamed Jinu and S. Sreedhar in straight sets (21-11, 21-09).

Scores (10/01/2016):

Master Singles:
Xavier Raphael bt Reji Thomas (21-11, 21-15) (Semi Finals)
Bobby Sebastian bt Arun Kelangath (Walk-over)

Master Doubles:
Xavier Raphael/Rafeek P.K. bt Vinod Kodakken/Siraj Choori (21-10, 21-16) (Quarter finals)
Shaji Ibrahim/Frank Jesperniete bt Prashanth R./Devendra Singh Rawath (21-14, 21-17) (1st Round)

Men Singles (Quarter finals):
Vinod Kumar bt Shinoy Sasindhran (12-21, 21-18, 23-21)

Men Doubles (2nd Round):
Avinash S. Kumar/Vinod Kumar bt  Jamsheer P.M.R. /Shinan S. (21-12, 21-09)
Endi Madullah/Jaffer Ibrahim bt Mohammed Jinu/S. Sreedhar (21-11, 21-09)