Murugesan capitalises on Ramadass errors in SU 5 final win
Thulasimathi Murugesan produced a standout performance to take home the women’s singles SU 5 gold in an all-Indian clash with Manisha Ramadass.
Winning both games, Murugesan was electric throughout as she dismantled the 19-year-old Ramadass in impressive fashion 21, 21 to 8, 14.
Murugesan’s form was apparent from the offset as she took a 5 to 0 lead in no time. With the score at 11 to 4 going into the interval, Ramadass was clearly frustrated by her punishingly slow start.
It seemed as though this frustration was seeping into Ramadass’ shot selection, either clearing too long or smashing shots into the net which cost her point after point in the opening game.
This only served to grow Murugesan’s confidence as she strolled to a 21-8 victory in the first game. Ramadass would have to cut out these mistakes to stand any chance of forcing a deciding set.
To her credit, the 19-year-old had a much-improved start to the second game, with the scores level at 6 to 6. Her opponent was still riding high off her performance in the opening game though and was producing powerful smashes to continue her dominance.
Ramadass found herself with too much to do to recover and Murugesan sensed this, forcing the shuttlecock to the backcourt and net to exhaust her opponent.
Murugesan closed out a deserved win with a 21 to 14 game. Ramadass will look back disappointingly at her performance but all credit goes to her Indian compatriot who took advantage and secured a memorable gold medal.
By Nathan Hassett