Tokyo Olympics: Paddler Sharath Kamal bows out after losing to Ma Long

The Indian paddlers could not march deeper in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Achanta Sharath Kamal lost his men's singles clash to world champion Ma Long of China in Round 3.

Ayush Gupta

Tokyo, First Published Jul 27, 2021, 12:55 PM IST | Last Updated Jul 27, 2021, 12:55 PM IST

There was no respite for Indian paddlers who just could not match up to the world level in the Tokyo Olympics. Top Indian paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal lost his Round 3 men's singles clash against Ma Long of China on Tuesday.

As a result, Kamal's run at the Games has come to an end. In a 44-minute match, the Indian was defeated 1-4. He was onto the backfoot as he lost the opening set heavily 7-11.

ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Manika Batra crashes out of singles in Round 3 against Sofia Polcanova

Nevertheless, Kamal put his experience to use and made a surprise comeback in the second set to win it 11-8. He also fought in the following set, but the Chinese edged out 13-11.

Since then, Kamal had no return, as he was outplayed by the world champion, losing the successive twin sets 4-11, 4-11. Kamal's loss means India has no singles event remaining in table tennis, with Manika Batra losing on Monday to Sofia Polcanova of Austria 0-4.

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