The Asia Pickleball Open 2022 is the first international tournament for Indian players after a two years’ lay off due to the global pandemic.
AIPA India players Vrushali Thakare and Snehal Patil defeated Macy Guo and Michelle Lim of Singapore in a closely fought match to win gold in the Advanced 19+ Women’s Doubles category in Asia Pickleball Open 2022 held at Phuket in Thailand. Vrushali and Snehal lost the first set by 9-11 but came back strongly in the second and third set to eventually win the match by 9-11, 11-5, 11-5.
Vrushali Thakare, a seasoned Pickleball player, and 16-year old Snehal Patil both belong to Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. Vrushali who has already won quite a handful of national titles, guided her younger partner throughout the match. Snehal, on the other hand, played some brilliant shots to accumulate points.
“We are both from the same place. Though we practice separately, still it became easier on court because we know each other quite well,” Vrushali said after the match.
Mr Arvind Prabhoo, Chairman All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) who was present at the venue cheered the girls and congratulated them on their win. He said this win will boost the confidence of the other Indian players and has set the ball rolling.
