Date:21/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/07/21/stories/2004072106901800.htm

Sport - Badminton

Maiden title for Arun George

KOCHI, JULY 20. Arun George, a student of Toc-H School and son of former international George Thomas, won his maiden title at the Ernakulam District badminton championships at the Rajiv Gandhi indoor stadium here on Tuesday.

The eight-year-old Arun defeated Aditya Prakash 15-3, 15-8 for the under-10 boys crown.

As expected, Kerala champion K.A. Aneesh (men), Sankar Gopan (under-19 boys) and Daya Elsa Jacob (under-13 girls) won the titles in their respective age-groups.

Arjuna Awardee, George Thomas, and the Ernakulam District Badminton Association president, S.A.S. Navaz, gave away the prizes.

The results (all finals): Men's singles: K.A. Anish (Central Excise) bt Antony K. Jacob 15-5, 15-10; doubles: C.M. Junith/Sanave Thomas bt Deepak Amarnath/Alfred 12-15, 15-11, 15-6.

Under-19 boys singles: Sanker Gopan bt Dileep T. Jacob 5-3, retired hurt.

Under-16 boys singles: Vinod Shanker bt Dileep Jacob 3-5, retired hurt; doubles final: Arjun Nair/Pradeep Jayaram bt Vinod/Aswin 5-15, 15-12, 15-12.

Under-10 boys singles: Arun George bt Aditya Prakash 15-3, 15-8.

Under-16 girls singles: Megha Merin Ninan bt Daya Elsa Jacob 11-5, 11-8.

Under-13 girls singles: Daya Elsa Jacob bt P.S. Linimol 11-2, 11-5;.

Under-10 girls singles: Arathi Sunil bt Boneetha Bose 0-11, 13-10, 11-9. — Our Principal Correspondent