Pearline Roopkumar and Petulia Balaji won the women’s doubles 50+ title at the 7th Tamil Nadu State Championship Pickleball, an IPA-sanctioned PWR 100 event, at the Picklers Arena in Chennai on Sunday. They defeated Hema Srinivasan and Vinu Prakash in a commanding final, 11–0, showcasing skill and teamwork throughout the tournament. Sonia Samdaria and Sarita Jain claimed the bronze medal.
Strong Start in Group Stages
Placed in Group A, Pearline Roopkumar and Petulia Balaji began with an 11–0 win over Anupama Gopal and Radhika Krishna Kumar. They continued their dominance by beating Sonia Samdaria and Sarita Jain 11–2. In the final group match, Pearline and Petulia defeated Hema Srinivasan and Vinu Prakash 11–1, displaying remarkable coordination and precision.
Dominance in the Final
In the championship match against Hema Srinivasan and Vinu Prakash, Pearline Roopkumar and Petulia Balaji were in complete control. Their strong serves, quick volleys, and sharp net play prevented their opponents from scoring, resulting in a flawless 11–0 victory. Their teamwork and tactical awareness were evident in every rally, leaving no room for error.
View this post on Instagram
Event Significance
The 7th Tamil Nadu State Championship Pickleball was held over two weekends, on 6th–7th September and 13th–14th September. The tournament is a major event on the IPA calendar and highlights the growing popularity of pickleball in southern India. Pearline Roopkumar and Petulia Balaji’s victory underscores their skill and marks them as leading players in the 50+ women’s doubles category.
Future Implications
This performance could inspire more senior players to compete at state-level events. The tournament’s success also signals increasing interest in pickleball across the region, encouraging more participation and competitive opportunities in future championships.
News in Brief: Pearline Roopkumar and Petulia Balaji
Pearline Roopkumar and Petulia Balaji won the Women’s Doubles 50+ title at the 7th Tamil Nadu State Championship Pickleball in Chennai. They defeated Hema Srinivasan and Vinu Prakash 11–0. Sonia Samdaria and Sarita Jain won bronze. The IPA-sanctioned PWR 100 event reflects the growing popularity of pickleball in southern India.
ALSO READ: Rithika Ramakrishna Clinches Nail-Biting Pickleball Final in Chennai—A New Star Rises