Clifford Crasto and Jenalyn D’Silva were stretched to three sets before advancing in their age category of the 37th India Club UAE Open Badminton Tournament at India Club in Dubai.

Crasto and D’Silva, playing in the veteran’s mixed doubles for 45 years and above, needed to call upon all their experience to win the first set 23-21 against Roby Varghese and Sriyani Deepika.

The first set appeared to have taken its toll on Crasto and D’Silva, veteran pair surrendering the second set 15-21 in favour of Varghese and Deepika.

The third and decisive set proved to be a thriller, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats as the two veteran pairs exchanged the lead with long rallies.

Though looking visibly exhausted, both pairs refused to relent but Crasto and D’Silva eventually prevailed 26-24 to seal the final set and to advance to the next round of the tournament.

In another veteran’s mixed doubles game for 45 and above, Abdul Salam and Vivian May Silva teamed up to overcome Mukesh Kumar and Meeta Bhandari 21-12, 11-21, 21-18.