WTT Contender Doha: Sharath off to a flying start; Sathiyan bows out - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

WTT Contender Doha: Sharath off to a flying start; Sathiyan bows out

PTI | , Doha
Mar 03, 2021 09:32 PM IST

Sharath toiled hard before defeating Sirucek 17-15 9-11 11-6 8-11 11-9 in the first round.

Ace Indian paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal advanced to the second round of the World Table Tennis Contender series with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Czech Republic's Pavel Sirucek here on Wednesday.

Achanta Sharath Kamal: File Photo(Agencies)
Achanta Sharath Kamal: File Photo(Agencies)

Sharath laboured hard before defeating Sirucek 17-15 9-11 11-6 8-11 11-9 in the first round.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

However, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, who alongside Sharath secured a direct entry into the main draw, made a first-round exit after going down to world no 20 Aruna Quadri 7-11 4-11 8-11.

World no 32 Sharath, who was up against an international opponent for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, struggled initially when he was seen trailing by five points in the first game before recovering well with a strong counter-attacking display to take an early 1-0 lead in the match.

Despite losing the next game, the nine-time national champion kept firing attacking shots to bag the third game comfortably.

Sirucek, who was the chief architect during India's loss at the team Olympic Qualifier last year, managed to come back in the fourth game and kept his challenge alive.

However, Sharath, a seasoned campaigner, held his nerves in the deciding game and completed a remarkable 3-2 win.

Sharath will now face a strong challenge from world no 7 Lin Yun-Ju of Chinese Taipei in the pre-quarters on Thursday.

Catch all the Latest IPL 2024 news and Live Cricket Score along with WPL Schedule and WPL Points Table related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On