Alwin Francis and Daya Elsa Jacob posted contrasting wins to lift the men's and women's singles titles in the Coronation Club Centenary Cup all-Kerala badminton tournament at the Coronation Club, Mattancherry, on Sunday.
FCI's Alwin staved off a strong challenge from former Kerala and Karnataka champion K.A. Anish (Central Excise & Customs) 21-14, 24-22 for a rare singles triumph while State champion Daya brushed aside Thrissur's Susan Rajan 21-9, 21-11 in just 24 minutes for the women's title. .
The men's final turned into a thriller in the second game which was marked by some exciting rallies. The game was close and the two thrived on each other's mistakes.
Alwin trailed 17-19 but he made it 20-20 when Anish netted a drop. He then sent a return into the net but a little later, he clawed back with a steep smash to take the title.
The results (finals): Men: Alwin Francis (FCI, Ekm) bt K.A. Anish (CE & C, Ekm) 21-14, 24-22. Women: Daya Elsa Jacob (Ekm) bt Susan Rajan (Tsr) 21-9, 21-11. — Special Correspondent
