Fazim Abd Anzar set for youth double

Dubai: Nabhan Najeeb overcame a stiff challenge to overcome Dev Vishnu in three sets to enter the final of the under-10 boy’s in the Copy Corner and Legends Foodstuff Badminton Cup being held at the Etisalat Academy.

Najeeb won 14-21, 21-14, 22-20 to set a meeting with Fazim Abd Anzar, a 21-14, 21-7 winner against Kabir Singh Randhawa in the second semi-final on Saturday.

Anzar looked headed for a double when he teamed up with Dev Vishnu to enter the doubles final against the pair of Dhyan Arjun and Swaran Krishna, who defeated Nabhan Najeeb and Hiraan Rasi 22-20, 21-17.

Shehil Mohammad upset the fancied Atul Krishna Rasi in the boy’s under-13 semi-finals 12-21, 21-19, 21-19 to set up a final against Ravi Poyyathara Sajayan, who won 21-17, 21-19 against Abhishek Dinesh.

The boy’s under-16 final will be contested between Mohammad Muanis and Mohammad Zakir. Muanis defeated Joshua Zhe-Bin Yap 21-18, 21-15 in the first semi-final while Zakir got the better of Abdullah Shaheer 12-21, 21-7, 21-9.

The girls under-16 final was also decided, with Ira Sharma taking her place against Deborah Rebello. Sharma defeated Tanisha Crasto 21-19, 21-9 while Rebello beat Nafeesah Sara Siraj 21-19, 21-18.

The girls under-13 will also witness some good action, with Crasto and Siraj headed for a final collision after Siraj defeated Evana 21-7, 21-9 and Crasto got the better of Nida Najeeb 21-11, 21-7.

Nearly 500 players from across the country are participating in the fourth edition of this annual competition organized by Etisalat Sports and Leisure Club in co-ordination with the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) in 19 age categories.