Date:04/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/03/04/stories/2005030404541800.htm

Sport - Badminton

Indian challenge ends in Germany

BANGALORE, MARCH 3. The Indian challenge at the Yonex German Open ended with the defeat of Aparna Popat, Nikhil Kanetkar and Chetan Anand in the second round.

At the championship, currently on at Mulheim, Aparna lost to Korean Jae Youn Jun 5-11, 1-11 after having won in the opening round against Kati Tolmoff of Estonia 11-4, 13-11.

Nikhil was shown the door by seasoned campaigner Anders Boesen of Denmark 8-15, 9-15 in the second round after having won against Shinya Ohtsuka of Japan 15-13, 15-9 in the first round. Chetan, who beat Czech Jan Vondra 15-10, 10-15, 15-3 in the opening match, lost to Dicky Palyama of the Netherlands 14-17, 5-15 in the second round.

Chetan was leading 14-11 in the first game before he lost the game on extra points, according to information received here.

Other Indians who lost in the opening round itself were Pulela Gopichand, Arvind Bhat, Anup Sridhar and Abhinn Shyam Gupta.

The Indian team now moves to Birmingham for the All England championships beginning on March 8. — UNI