Leihong stun defending champion Rika to enter final

[caption id="attachment_200567" align="alignright" width="464"] Riku Khape (blue) and Leihong in action during their semi-final match at the ongoing inter-district and state badminton championship in Pfutsero on Saturday, Aug.11. (EM Images)[/caption] Pfutsero, Aug 11:  18 year old Leihong of Mon district defeated defending champion Riku Khape in direct sets in the semi-final match to enter the final of the ongoing 42nd Inter-district and State Badminton championship organised by Nagaland Badminton Association here at the Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium in Pfutsero on Saturday. Leihong made a comeback to win the first set by 18-22. In the second set, Leihong took the advantage as Riku failed to seize the opportunity with the pressure and lost the second set 21-11. While in a closely fought encounter between Ankur Sangpang Rai of Kohima and Bentilo Kath of Dimapur, Rai won 21-18 26-24 to set up a final clash against Leihong in the men's single final match. For women's single category, Ekumyala of Kohima beat defending champion Bendangnaro of Nagaland Police 21-19, 21-19. She will either take on Shekhotolu or Yashikala in the final as the match was yet to begin till the filling of this report. For boys single for U-19, Leihong will take on Bentilo Kath in the final match. Leihong beat Paramaisi Zeliang 21-1, 21-7 and Bentilo Kath defeated Lanukum Imsong 21-11, 21-17. For men's doubles, Joseph Sumi and Raju of Nagaland Police beat Imsurenba Jamir and Medemnochet 21-12, 21-15 in the semi-final match. They will take on Riku Khape and Taliakum Yaden or Imliwapang Tzudir and Imnatoshi Longkumer in the final. While for girls single for U-19, Merenjungla of Dimapur beat Erenbeni Lotha of Wokha 10-21, 21-14, 24-26. Yaom of Mon beat Imnuksungla of Mokochung 22-20, 16-21, 21-17. Merenjungla will take on Yaom in the final for U-19 category. In boy’s doubles for U-19, Chunglitong and Kilangkumba Kichu of Mokochung defeated Max Lama and Serichem Sangtem 21-14, 21-5. With the win, they will face Ruvezo and Wekhrope of Phek who earlier beat Vikhietuo and Zhakuo Seyie 21-10, 21-14. In mixed doubles for 50+, I Temjen and N Wati will take on Step Ao and Y Sema in the final. In mixed doubles for 40+, Rhovise Nyumi and Tajenkaba will clash against Aochumba Pongen and Aomolung Sort in the final. Joseph Sumi and Raju of Nagaland Police will face Moatemjen and Tajenkaba in the final of mixed doubles 35+ final. The organisers informed that the finals matches for the veterans and junior matches for both boys and girls will be played on Saturday evening.