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Spotlight on Sharath

Sharath Kamal's priority now is to improve his game and international ranking

GOING THROUGH A GOOD PHASE Sharath Kamal

The two gold medals Achanta Sharath Kamal won at the Commonwealth table tennis championships in March this year at Melbourne catapulted him to international limelight. Along with it, expectations rose, and Sharath was projected as the country's best hope at the world level. Neither did he panic, nor did he lose focus. Instead, he did what he has always done — prepare.

In the two Pro-Tour events that he took part in June 2006, the talented Indian, ranked 118 in the world, entered the semi-finals of the Brazil Open (the first Indian to do so) and reached the last 16 in the draw of 64 of the Chile Open. Sharath's modest prediction had been a quarterfinal appearance in either of the Pro-Tours.

Moderate success

Munching sandwiches at his Nungambakkam residence after practising at his club, The Young Men's Indian Association (Mylapore), Sharath spoke about his South American trip, which was a moderate success. "After the Brazil Open semifinals, a lot of people have started noticing my game. In Brazil, they watched my strong and weak points." Sharath is aware of the significant steps he has taken in the last few months — he has jumped 30 places from where he was at the start of the year. "It's a very big leap forward for me and table tennis," he continues. "Those who said the Commonwealth championship gold came out of the blue are now convinced that I am a consistent player." In the Brazil Open, Sharath defeated Cazuo Matsumoto of Brazil, Joao Monteiro of Portugal, Christophe Bertin of France before losing to Kwon Jin Lee of Korea in six tough games. Sharath threatened to go one better in the Chile Open. Playing with guile and raw passion, Sharath stretched the World No.21 Petr Korbel in the pre-quarterfinals, snatching two games in the process.

Accepting the criticism that he has not defeated players ranked above him in the two Pro-Tours, he says, "Yes, I haven't beaten players ranked 80 or 90. But I have beaten those of my ranking. Beating equally ranked players, I think, is also tough."

Says Sharath, who is Assistant Manager (Administration) with Indian Oil Corporation (Chennai), "After the Commonwealth championships, there has been a lot of improvement in my backhand top-spin. Earlier, I used to play a backhand and take in more of forehand. Now, I am more or less steady on both flanks." Sharath says it is possible to juggle club commitments — he is on an eight-month contract from September with a super division club San Sebastian, Spain — with Pro-Tour.

The former National champion says the year 2006 has been one of the best phases in his career. "The Commonwealth gold medals, World championship in Bremen (Germany) and my career-best performance in Pro-Tour. I hope the phase continues."

Defeating higher-ranked players and surging ahead are Sharath's priorities now. "From here, the climb will be slow. I have to beat the bigger boys." Therein lies the challenge. And opportunity.

K. KEERTHIVASAN

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