Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand defeats Japanese duo Kaho Osawa-Mai Tanabe; defend the women’s doubles crown at Syed Modi International Super 300 | Badminton News – The Times of India

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand held their nerve and defeated Japan’s Kaho Osawa and Mai Tanabe in a thrilling three-match final to retain the women’s doubles title in the Syed Modi International Super 300 on Sunday. The top-seeded Indian duo, playing only their second tournament since Gayatri’s return after a five-month layoff due to a shoulder injury, fought for an hour and 16 minutes before sealing a 17-21, 21-13, 21-15 victory.Go beyond the border with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The final started with a grueling 49-shot rally, setting the stage for a match built on pressure and precision. Osawa and Tanabe were sharper early to take the lead 6-3, but a burst of aggressive play from Treesa – including some clean smashes – helped the Indians level and then take the lead 8-6. The Japanese climbed back into the lead at the break and remained marginally in front, extending the lead to 18-15. A sharp backhand from Tanabe and an Indian error earned them game points, and despite Treesa and Gayatri saving two, the Japanese took the opener. Switching sides transformed the momentum. Treesa and Gayatri immediately found better length and rhythm, racing to a dominant 9-2 lead with improved anticipation and more proactive front court work. Treesa’s flourishing batting in the backcourt widened the gap as India took an 11-5 lead into the break. From there they controlled the pace, increasing to 20-11. After wasting two game points, a long lift from the Japanese forced the match to a decisive decision. The third game turned in India’s favor early on, at 7-4, although a brief spell of miscommunication allowed Osawa and Tanabe to get back in. A series of crisp net interceptions tied the Indians before Treesa’s disguised touch of the tape and another well-constructed point created a six-point cushion on the break. The Japanese threatened at 12-14 and 13-15, but the Indians responded with a deft net shot from Treesa and a sharp Gayatri slash to regain control. A tight drop from Treesa and an errant Japanese shot gave India six match points. They only needed two, completing a controlled comeback and successfully defending their title.