Pawar in Asian Satellite finals

New Delhi:

Anand Pawar has set up an all-India summit clash against Kurian Thomas in the men's singles of the Asian Satellite badminton championship. He beat Malaysia's Lim Kenn 15-12 15-3, while fifth seed Kurian outplayed Iran's top shuttler Reza Golam Bagheri 15-5 15-6 in the semifinals today. Pawar got off to a flying start to 7-1. Lenn fought back his way at 12-6 thanks to some easy points handed over by Pawar. Lenn looked dangerous with his big smashes but Pawar's net placings and smart thinking undid Kenn. Pawar was in fine control of the second game right from the start, and clinched it with his controlled aggression and excellent court coverage. Home favourites The women's category will also feature home favourites on both sides of the net, with Saina Nehwal challenging top seed Aparna Popat. Promising youngster Saina upset second seed Trupti Murugunde 3-11 11-3 11-6 to book her final berth against Aparna. However, the Bangalore girl lived up to her top billing as she defeated third seed B R Meenakshi 11-6 11-8 in the other semifinal. (PTI)