NAGPUR shuttlers Ritika Thaker and Simran Singhi settled for bronze medal at the Maldives International under way at Male on Saturday. Playing against experienced Malaysian pair of Go Kee and Valeree Siow, the Indian duo won the first game 21-19. The Malaysians bounced back and won the second game 21-18. In spite of playing their hearts out in the decider, Ritika and Simran could not get their act together and lost the final game 10-21. They had to settled for a bronze medal. The marathon match lasted one hour and ten minutes.

 

After the match, Ritika said they had their chances to wrap up the second game but a few mistakes cost them the game. Both said that they were happy with the bronze but would have loved the yellow metal. They thanked their academy and coaches for their efforts. Ritika and Simran both practice at Suchitra Academy, Hyderabad.