Image Source : GETTY IMAGES G Sathiyan
G Sathiyan ended his lengthy anticipate a nationwide title with a convincing 4-2 win over nine-time champion Sharath Kamal within the 82nd National Table Tennis Championships right here on Tuesday.
Sathiyan had rued his missed probabilities in opposition to Sharath within the closing at Cuttack a few years in the past. That win had put Sharath, the present world No. 32, on a excessive pedestal.
On Tuesday, it was a special Sathiyan. So was Sharath, who was not at his traditional self as he misplaced momentum within the fifth recreation of the lads’s singles closing.
“Third time I used to be fortunate, no extra jinx. An enormous burden off my shoulder,” mentioned Sathiyan. Before Cuttack, he had missed out at Pondicherry (2014) and Hyderabad (2015). The win on Tuesday additionally helped him carry dwelling Rs. 2.50 lakh as prize cash.
Taking a 2-0 lead, Sathiyan made his intentions loud and clear. But he is aware of his skilled opponent can change the movement of the match in a matter of minutes. And Sharath did strike, taking the subsequent two video games.
But, as has been seen fairly often, Sharath had his issues unable to land the ball. Converting these moments to his benefit, Sathiyan nailed it once more and went 3-2 up.
As if on cue, Sathiyan stored his backhand blocks and forehand scorchers going, pushing Sharath on the backfoot as laborious as potential. Sharath allowed Sathiyan to take management of the match slowly however certainly.
It’s equally essential to provide full credit score to Sathiyan, the brand new champion, who punched his method up the ladder with numerous laborious work.
“In the tip, it was a very good match, and he deserved to win,” mentioned the genial Sharath.
He attributed the loss to the dearth of focus within the fifth recreation after main 8-6. “Two crucial mistakes cost me dearly at that stage. But Sathiyan let me off the hook in the third to come back. These are part of the game. I am happy for him,” he added.
With age catching up with Sharath, he isn’t but giving up chasing his tenth title. “I will certainly come back strong and aim for it,” he mentioned.
Results:Final: G Sathiyan (PSPB) bt A Sharath Kamal (PSPB) 11-6, 11-7, 10-12, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8.Semi-finals: A Sharath Kamal bt Manav Thakkar (PSPB) 11-8, 5-11, 14-12, 11-9, 9/11, 17-15; G. Sathiyan bt SFR Snehit (Telg) 13-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-5.