5th Toyota NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis Tournament finals on December 21

KOHIMA — The third day of the 5th Toyota NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis Tournament at the NIAPA Mini Stadium in Chümoukedima once again revolved around the familiar rivalry between Mizoram’s Jeho Himnakulpuingheta and Assam’s Agniv Bhaskar Gohain, as both paddlers booked their places in the Men’s Singles final for the third consecutive edition of the championship.

Defending champion Himnakulpuingheta continued his impressive run with a dominant straight-set victory over Khelendrajit Yengkhom of Manipur, winning 11-6, 11-4 and 11-4 in the semifinals, according to an update.

In the other semifinal, Assam’s Agniv Bhaskar Gohain defeated Mizoram’s Alberto Ruata 11-8, 11-8, 5-11 and 11-4. After conceding the third set, Agniv regrouped quickly to close out the match, keeping alive his quest to overcome his long-time rival in the final.

Jeho, who has established himself as one of the most consistent performers in the tournament’s history, will be aiming to defend the NIAPA men’s singles title for the fourth time. Agniv, on the other hand, will be looking to break Jeho’s hold on the title, having fallen short against the Mizoram paddler in his previous final appearances.

Also read: NE Open Table Tennis Tournament: Assam retain team event

Both players are also featuring prominently in the Men’s Doubles category. Jeho has paired up with Alberto Ruata to reach the semifinals, while Agniv, partnering Shankab Gautam Baruah, will contest the other semifinal.

In the Women’s Singles category, Assam’s Bhavna Kashyap reached the final with a straight-set win over Moumita Saha of Mizoram, winning 11-9, 11-9 and 11-9 in the semifinals. Defending champion Trisha Gogoi of Assam also advanced to the final after defeating Anoushna in three sets by 11-7, 11-3 and 11-3.