4 Nations Day Two Review: Bhagat holds out for win
3 August, 2023
It was a battle of grit and perseverance for Paralympic champion Pramod Bhagat on day two of the 4 Nations Para Badminton Tournament in Sheffield.
The men’s SL3 singles second seed came through an intense clash with Thailand’s Mongkhon Bunsun, with the pair on court for a staggering one hour and 34 minutes.
Over a hard-fought three games, the Indian ace from behind to take the win 21-23, 21-16, 21-18.
The 35-year-old is one of the favourites for gold but showed early signs of struggle against a player ranked 12th in the world and will now hope to for an easier battle in his next encounter.
“That was a tiring and tough match,” he said.
“I had to stay positive and finally I got the win, but for me it was a hard group match.
“I played at the 2015 World Championships in London but this is my first time being back in England. I’m enjoying it.”
Bhagat had lost out in his SL3-SU5 mixed doubles match alongside Manisha Ramdass earlier that same morning.
Ahead after the first game, the pair were beaten 21-16, 22-24, 18-21 by Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan and Khalimatus Sadiyah Sukohandoko.
Elsewhere in the men’s SL3 singles, home favourite Dan Bethell got his 4 Nations campaign off to a winning start with a 21-17, 21-9 victory over India’s Umesh Vikram Kumar.
In the men’s WH2 singles, Hong Kong’s Ho Yuen Chan stole victory over former world number one Noor Azwan Noorlan from Malaysia.
Paralympic champion Sarina Satomi continued her campaign in style with two dominant wins on day two.
The Japanese star and WH1 women’s singles top seed brushed aside Brazil’s Daniele Torres Souza 21-3, 21-5 before teaming up with Yuma Yamazaki to defeat Souza and Ana Gomez in their second meeting of the day.
The Japanese pair clinched a 21-5, 21-8 victory and showed just why they are ranked world number one.
Whilst in the SH6 mixed doubles, top seeds Subhan Subhan and Rina Marlina eased past Hector Jesus Salva Tunque and Rubi Milagros Fernandez Vargas in their second match.
The Indonesian pair looked comfortable in a 21-7, 21-9 victory, taking only 21 minutes to lay down a marker.
In the same event, Miles Krajewski and Jayci Simon of the USA stormed to mixed doubles victory against Nilton Quispe Ignacio and Carmen Giuliana Poveda Flores in just 27 minutes.
The pair clinched the win 21-17, 21-7 in an incredible second game performance, with rising star Krajewski recording his second win over Ignacio this tournament.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Natthapong Meechai and mixed doubles partner Chai Saeyang smashed their final game of the day with a 21-17, 21-17, 21-13 win against Peru.
The 4 Nations is being held with special thanks to Yonex – the Official Equipment Partner of the 4 Nations Para Badminton International.
A full rundown of all results can be found here.
