According to the latest ranking list released by International Table Tennis Federation, India's top paddler Sharath Kamal has jumped 15 places from the month of February to be ranked World No. 55, which happens to be his best.
Thanks to his upset victory over World No. 23 Chen Weixing of Austria in the first round of the Qatar Open in February this year, Sharath has reached this ranking, which has not been matched by any Indian men in the last 10 years.
“I am happy with my position but I know I have a long way to go,” said Sharath on Friday.
The 27-year-old said he will go to Spain to compete in the play-off matches for his Club San Sebastian in the top division Spanish league.
“I am waiting for the visa formalities to get over,” he said. Depending on his team's performance in the league, Sharath will make a decision whether to take part in the training camp for the Indian men and women teams in China beginning April 25.
Sharath, who was instrumental in India finishing 7 th in the Asia Cup in Guangzhou, said, “Beating Singapore in the Asia Cup for the 7th-8th position was great.”
Moreover, he was awarded the ‘Most Valuable Player' by Asian Table Tennis Federation.
“Now that India is ranked No. two among the Commonwealth countries, we will be getting a good draw in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi,” said Sharath.
His next big event will be the World team championship in Moscow from May 23 to 30.
