Dubai: C.P. Shibil, the new champion of the India Club-Western Union Money Transfer UAE Open Badminton tournament eats, drinks and breathes badminton. He not only won the men's singles title beating Mo'en Ahmad 21-10, 21-6 but also bagged the men's doubles and mixed doubles to achieve a dream of a triple crown that he has cherished for long.
"This is my 10th title triumph but on most occasions if I win the singles I lose the doubles and whenever I have won the singles and doubles I land up losing the mixed doubles. So this victory is very special to me as I had dreamt of a triple crown for long," remarked Shibil to Gulf News.
Twenty-seven-year-old Shibil does nothing but play badminton. "I reached here in 2009 after having won the Kerala Zonal as well as state titles. I participated in this tournament in 2009 and was ousted in the quarterfinals and I lost to Mo'en in doubles.
"I worked hard on my game and went on to win the Dubai Open badminton organised by etisalat, Sharjah Kalikkalam Open tournament, Dhaid badminton tournament and Kerala College Alumni Forum title. Last year, I also won the Umm Al Quwain tournament,"added Shibil, who pocketed the winners cash prize of Dh3,000, a Jet airways return ticket and Carrera sunglasses.
"I attribute my victory in the tournament to the huge support I received during my matches.
"I coach many players at the India Club every day and this court is sort of home court for me," said Shibil.
