Date:26/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/26/stories/2008082660511800.htm

Sport - Table Tennis

No excuses, says Sharath Kamal

Principal Correspondent

CHENNAI: Indian paddler Sharath Kamal returned to the city on Monday from the Beijing Olympics wiser from the experience. Sharath lost in the second round to Chen Weixing of Austria. “It’s not a great performance. May be If I had beaten the Austrian, ranked 48 places above me, I would have been pleased.

The top ranked Indian refused to give excuses saying his strapped left knee was just a precaution. “On that count I will offer no excuses. My strategy was good but my execution was quite bad,” said Sharath, ranked 79 in the world.

On the controversy of coach not being present during the Olympics, Sharath reiterated his belief that a coach would have really made a difference. “coach who knows my game could have pointed out my mistakes,” he said.

Sharath will travel to Spain next month to play for his Club — San Sebastian — and then he’ll compete in the Indian Open—he was the runner-up last year — to be held in Indore from October 29 to November 2.

“I’ll also be playing in Pro-Tour events,” added Sharath. He said the Games have taught him the value of quickness and accuracy.