Ghosh's loss ends Indian challenge

Soumyajit Ghosh put up a spirited effort against higher ranked Kim Hyok Bong of North Korea before going down in the men's singles second round at the Olympics table tennis event here Sunday. His loss ended India's challenge in the competition.

World No. 206 Ghosh gave a tough fight to his 77th-ranked opponent before losing 11-9, 6-11, 5-11, 9-11, 7-11.

The 19-year-old gave a good account of himself in his Olympic debut. He had entered the second round beating Brazil's Gustavo Tsuboi, a player ranked more than 100 places above him.

"The aim was to play freely and enjoy my first Olympic experience. I am glad I was able to beat a higher-ranked player (Gustavo). Kim was beatable too but I could not raise my level like yesterday," Ghosh told IANS.

Ankita Das, India's lone representative in the women's singles, exited the tournament after losing her first round match against Spaniard Sara Ramirez Saturday.