Dev Shah and Rifah Triumph in U18 Boys Doubles at Kerala Open 2026

Dev Shah and Rifah showcased their exceptional skills by winning the U18 Boys Doubles title at the Kerala Open 2026, defeating Rishal and Gilash with a score of 11-4. Their strategic play and teamwork were evident throughout the match, allowing them to maintain control and capitalize on their opponents' mistakes. This victory not only highlights their talent but also marks a significant achievement in their sporting careers. The article also covers key results from Day 1 of the tournament, featuring various singles competitions across different categories.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 19, 2026, 21:17 IST

U18 Boys Doubles Final Highlights

In a remarkable display of skill and composure, Dev Shah and Rifah clinched the U18 Boys Doubles championship at the Kerala Open 2026, overcoming Rishal and Gilash with a decisive score of 11-4. The final showcased their strategic play, characterized by control and clarity from the very beginning.

Dev and Rifah established their dominance early on, focusing on maintaining rallies and patiently constructing points instead of rushing for quick wins. This strategy allowed them to dictate the pace of the game, forcing their opponents into defensive positions. As the match progressed, Rishal and Gilash began to falter, committing unforced errors that further tilted the scoreboard in favor of the winners.

Midway through the match, Rishal and Gilash attempted to adopt a more aggressive approach to regain momentum. Although this tactic earned them a few points, it also introduced greater risk, which Dev and Rifah exploited by remaining consistent and targeting open areas on the court.

A significant factor in the success of the winning duo was their excellent positioning. They moved fluidly as a team, effectively covering angles and closing gaps at the net. Dev’s ability to manage the tempo of the game complemented Rifah’s finishing skills, enabling them to seize opportunities without losing focus.

As the final unfolded, the score gap widened, with Rishal and Gilash struggling to accumulate points. Meanwhile, Dev and Rifah maintained their discipline, steering clear of unnecessary risks. The final score of 11-4 was a testament to their strong control throughout the match.

This victory marked a significant achievement for Dev Shah and Rifah, who demonstrated remarkable maturity for their age. For Rishal and Gilash, the experience gained from this final will be invaluable, even though they faced a well-prepared opponent who executed their game plan flawlessly.

Kerala Open 2026 – Day 1 Key Results

Beginner Men’s Singles
Winner: Senthil Kumar
Runner-up: Anjai Pemmasani
Score: 11-5, 11-3
Intermediate Men’s Singles
Winner: Senthil Kumar
Runner-up: Muhammed Rifah
Score: 11-4, 11-2
Open Men’s Singles
Winner: Arunava Majumder
Runner-up: Dev Shah
Score: 11-13, 11-7, 12-10
U18 Boys Singles
Winner: Mahir Mustafa
Runner-up: Rishal
Score: 11-4, 11-6
50+ Men’s Singles
Winner: Nilesh Desai
Runner-up: Raghavan
Score: 11-7, 11-1