Sameer Verma downs elder sibling Sourabh to win title

Sameer Verma during the Tata Open final against brother Sourabh at CCI yesterday

Third seed Sameer won the battle of Madhya Pradesh-born Verma brothers by outclassing elder sibling and former champion Sourabh in straight games to clinch the men's singles title at the USD 15,000 Tata Open Indian International Badminton Challenge here yesterday.


Sameer Verma during the Tata Open final against brother Sourabh at CCI yesterday. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Sameer, the highest ranked player in the tournament after the withdrawal of two other Indian shuttlers, overcame the 2013 champion 21-11 21-18 in just 26 minutes to become the new men's champion.

Thai high
Earlier, Thailand's 17-year-old shuttler Pornpawee Chchuwong, rallied brilliantly after dropping the opening game to defeat top-seeded Malaysian rival Jing Yi Tee, the world no. 37, to clinch the women's singles crown after a 40-minute final. Sameer Verma spoke to mid-day after his title triumph at the CCI yesterday.

'Tough and emotional match'
This was the first time we were playing against each other in the final. It was a very tough and emotional match for me. He is my inspiration and I started playing badminton watching my elder brother (Sourabh)."

'Brother is better'
I feel Sourabh is a better player. It was just that it was not his day today. Or maybe I had a slight edge over him today."

'Just like any opponent'
On court he is like any other opponent. Yes, I feel bad for him as he lost but I am glad that I ended the year with a win. Since we both train at the same academy (P Gopichand academy in Hyderabad) there was no coach for us during the final."

'Party time for my pals'
"I am glad that with this win, my rankings will go up by six to seven places. I am currently ranked 52 in the world. With the prize money, I will party with my friends and also buy some gifts for my parents.