Croatia Junior and Cadet Open: Diya Parag Chitale wins second bronze

Mumbai: Indian paddler Diya Parag Chitale completed her campaign in the Croatia Junior and Cadet Open on a triumphant note by claiming a second bronze medal in the cadet girls' singles category.

The Mumbai girl, who was the only Indian in fray in the prestigious tournament at Varazdin, Croatia, upset world no. 7 and second seed Satsuki Odo of Japan 11-7 3-11 11-8 12-10 in the quarterfinals to assure herself of a bronze.

She took on world no. 11 and third seed Elizabet Abraamian of Russia in the semifinals yesterday, but the Indians lost 11-6 5-11 9-11 5-11.

Diya had earlier won a bronze in the cadet girls' (Under-15) team event in the company of Russia's Liubov Tentser.

Diya's good performances over the last few months have earned her a place in Team Asia. She will now play in the World Cadet Challenge Tournament in Fiji from October 21 to October 29.

"I am happy with the way I played. I lost a couple of matches after being in a good position," she conceded.

"But this has been a good tournament and will do wonders to my confidence," Diya added.

Diya had represented the World Hopes Team at the same event in Egypt two years back.