Last update: August 02, 2022, 02:57 AM IST
Indian table tennis star Achanta Sharath Kamal (AP Photo)
Sharath Kamal led India’s charge against the Nigerian unit as they thrashed the African nation 3-0 to book a place in the final of the men’s table tennis team event in Birmingham.
Sharath Kamal defeated world number 15 Aruna Qadri as defending champions India beat Nigeria 3-0 to book another final at the Commonwealth Games. G Sathian and Harmeet Desai set the tone for the tie by winning the opening doubles tie against Olajide Omotayo and Abiodun Bode.
It was the 40-year-old Sharath who gave India a big advantage by winning the second singles match against Qadri. The final scoreline read 11-9, 7-11, 11-8, 15-13 in favor of the Indian.
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It was a fierce battle between two rivals who know each other’s game inside out. Sharath used a high-risk strategy that helped him win the first game. The Nigerian bounced back to level the match before Sharath stepped up his game in the third with some crisp backhand winners. The fourth NEC proved to be the most entertaining for the spectators at the arena. The long and fast rallies had everyone on the edge of their seats. The best rally of the match (19 shots) came late in the game and Qadri won it 9-8.
Sharath used the body smash as a get out of jail card and managed to make it 10-10. The Indian had the last laugh when Qadri netted a backhand.
India’s top-ranked Sathian then completed a fine victory by defeating Omotayo 11-9, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8.
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