Maiden Grand Prix title for Manu-Sumeeth in Mexico

HYDERABAD: Ending a five-year drought, the fast rising doubles combination of Manu Attri and Sumeeth Reddy claimed their maiden Grand Prix crown with a 22-20, 21-18 victory over Bodin Issara and Nipitphon Puangpuapech of Thailand in the Mexico Open final on Sunday.
The duo, who trains at the Pullela Gopichand Academy here, faced a stiff resistance in the first game as the Thais saved four game points from 16-20 before the Indians claimed it.In the second, the Indians got off to a brisk start and maintained a healthy lead over their rivals.
After Olympians Rupesh Kumar and Sanave Thomas won the Bitburger Open in 2010, this is the best ever performance by an Indian men's doubles team. "This is a great win for both of us. We've worked really hard and this is the result of our hard work. We would like to thank our coach Pullela Gopichand, doubles coach Kim Tan Her and BAI officials for supporting us. Many thanks to our parents, it's because of their prayers and blessings we are here," Manu told TOI from Mexico City on Monday. "It turned out to be a very good year for us. And finishing off with a Grand Prix title is just amazing. We started very confidently in this tournament. Though it was a bit tricky in the final, it was all about speed and tactics and most importantly we managed very well," Sumeeth said.
The Meerut-Hyderabad combo had also won the Lagos International and Belgian International titles earlier this year. "Gopi sir helped us a lot in our bad times. For the last two months our new doubles coach has worked very hard on our game," the duo said.
Complimenting his partner for the patience he displayed, Sumeeth said, " All credit to my friend Manu. He is very patient and that's what helps our pair to be stable even in crucial times."