Sharath Kamal settled for a creditable sixth spot after going down against South Korean Kim Minseok in a thriller at the 28th Asian Cup table tennis tournament here today.
49th-ranked Sharath lost the 5th-6th play-off match 11-8 2-11 17-15 7-11 11-9 9-11 10-12 but won many fans courtesy his giant-killing run in the tournament where he beat three top-20 players. The Indian had also lost to 32nd-ranked Minseok to finish sixth in last year's edition in Wuhan, China.
With an impressive result here, he has boosted his chances of qualifying for the World Cup to be held later in the year.
Like the opening day, Sharath underwent a severe test of stamina and endurance in the three matches he played. Sharath disposed of world number 15 and nemesis Gao Ning 11-7 4-11 11-8 12-10 11-5 to add to his giant-killing run in the premier continental competition.
With his first win over the Singaporean after 'countless losses', Sharath also put the disappointment of his quarterfinal defeat to world number five Jun Mizutani behind. The Indian was more relieved than happy to find success against Ning, who looked far from his best today.
"I have lost count of how many times Gao Ning beat me but today I finally found a way to get past him. I was so fed up with this losing trend that once I had asked a German coach 'when will I beat Gao Ning?' His reply was that 'you keep it reserve for a special day'. Overall I think played really well and to be honest he looked a bit under prepared," said Sharath.
The two-time CWG gold winner romped home after winning the crucial fourth game to go 3-1 up. It was a commendable effort from the Chennai-born paddler a few hours after his comprehensive loss to Mizutani. By Sharath's own admission, he could not have played any better than he did against his superior Japanese opponent.
Mizutani kept attacking from both flanks to which Sharath did not have many answers. He foxed the Indian with a variety of serves and hammered winners, both cross court and down the line, with pinpoint precision.
