Rahul Belwal came through a closely contested final to defeat Vilasier 16-14 and secure the 30+ men’s singles title at the Kolkata Open 2026, in a match that remained open until the final points. The final unfolded at a steady pace early on, with both players opting for controlled rallies rather than taking immediate risks.
Neither Rahul nor Vilasier allowed a clear gap to develop, trading points through the middle phase as the scoreline stayed tight.
As the match progressed, Rahul began to push slightly ahead, using sharper placement to force errors. Vilasier, however, stayed within reach, responding with consistent returns and extending rallies to prevent Rahul from pulling away.
The closing stages saw both players within striking distance. Vilasier managed to level the contest late, but Rahul regained control at a crucial moment, winning consecutive points to edge ahead and finish the match 16-14.
Rahul’s path to the final included a composed semi-final performance against Zhaptuso, where he secured an 11-3 win. He maintained control throughout that match, limiting errors and dictating the pace from the outset.
Vilasier’s progression to the final was more direct. He defeated Vishroot 11-1 in the quarter-finals and followed it up with an 11-3 win over Harsh in the semi-final, carrying that momentum into the title clash.
Elsewhere in the draw, Zhaptuso had advanced with an 11-5 win over Vishesh, while Harsh moved past Karanvir 11-6 in his quarter-final match.
The final stood out for its balance, with neither player able to dominate for long stretches. Rahul’s ability to manage key points under pressure proved decisive, particularly in the closing exchanges where the margin for error was minimal.
In a match defined by small differences rather than sustained dominance, Rahul held his composure at the right time to secure the win and close out one of the tighter finals of the day.
