Verma Clinches Semifinal Place – Day 3: HSBC BWF World Tour Finals
Late qualifier Sameer Verma joined Indian compatriot Pusarla V Sindhu in the semifinals of the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2018 with a straight-games victory over Thailand’s Kantaphon Wangcharoen today.
· DEV SUKUMAR
The Men’s Singles qualifier had to win the final qualifying event, the Syed Modi International, to qualify for the season finale and he did just that, surviving three three-game matches on the way to the title. Today, Verma needed to take at least a game off Wangcharoen; the Indian did better, clinching his match in straight games, 21-9 21-18, to assure himself of a semifinal place irrespective of the outcome of the final Group B encounter between Japan’s Kento Momota and Indonesia’s Tommy Sugiarto.
“There was some doubt on how I had to perform at the Syed Modi International to qualify for the World Tour Finals,” said Verma. “But I wasn’t thinking about winning that tournament or about qualifying, I just wanted to enjoy the tournament.
“I knew how to play him as I beat him at the Swiss Open. I just had to be patient. In the second game I faltered in my strategy and my coach instructed me to not follow his game. I’m happy right now, and looking forward to my next match. I’m feeling good and celebrating now.”