Ruhi Raju from Hyderabad flashed as a badminton ace in the United States as she hit a new high to claim the top spot in the USA Badminton Junior National Championship played in San Francisco, California.
Ruhi holds US citizenship but lives in Hyderabad and trains at the Suchitra Badminton Academy.
The 13-year-old, sealed a 22-20, 18-21, 21-15 victory over Netra Shetty in the final. The first game was keenly fought before Ruhi edged ahead. The second too went on similar lines but in favour of Netra. Ruhi then upped the ante in the decider to put her opponent to much discomfort and take the game and match.
Earlier in the semifinals, Ruhi defeated Junior International Trials (JIT) winner Jolie Wang 21-18, 21-19 while Netra prevailed over Emily Han with a 21-11, 11-21, 21-13 scorline.
In the quarters, Ruhi had overpowered fifth seeded Natalie Chi in straight games 21-19, 21-18.
The results
Final: Ruhi Raju bt Netra Shetty (seed 4) 22-20, 21-18, 21-15.
Semifinal: Ruhi Raju bt Jolie Wang 21-18, 21-19.
Quarterfinal: Ruhi Raju bt Natalie Chi (5) 21-19, 21-18.
Third round: Ruhi Raju bt Nicole Ju (3) 21-18, 7-21, 21-13.
Second round: Ruhi Raju bt Emma Lin 21-12, 21-13.
First round: Ruhi Raju bt Ragalina Palaka 21-18, 21-13.
