Kathmandu, March 17:

Pashupati Paneru routed reigning national champion Balram Thapa 21-12, 21-10 to finish first at the selection tournament here today.

Paneru had no problems in defeating the Nepal APF Club player at the National Sports Council covered hall. Despite the loss, Thapa qualified as runner-up.

In the other match, Pankaj Chand beat Indra Mahata 21-14, 18-21, 21-18 to claim the last and the fourth spot. Ram Singh Chaudhary came third. Out of the eight shuttlers in the selection, Mahata, Bikash Shrestha, Anil Lakhe and Bishal Pradhan failed to make their places.

In women’s section, Sumina Shrestha, Sujana Shrestha and Neri Thapa qualified for the championship. Reigning National champion Saradevi Tamang and Samjhana

Khaling did not took part in the tournament, while Samjhana Khaling was ousted from the tournament.

The top four men and three women shuttlers will represent Nepal in the Badminton Asia Championship to be held in Malaysia from April 15-20.

Nepal will take part in five categories — men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed double. Chief coach Uday Kumar Shrestha will provide special training to the selected players

from Sunday.