There was some consolation for the Indian men’s team in the Commonwealth Games table tennis at the Yamuna Sports Complex here on Saturday. India settled for bronze overpowering Nigeria 3-0 in the third-place play-off match. “We are happy as this is our first CWG medal,” said R. Abishek and A. Amalraj.
Sharath gave India the lead with a 11-7, 11-4, 11-3 win over Quadri Akinade Aruna in the first match. Then Amalraj played without any inhibitions against Merotohun Monday, the most experienced and the highest-ranked player in his country, and prevailed 11-4, 11-7, 11-4.
R. Abishek troubled Seun Ajetunmobi no end with chops and slices that kept low, making Seun to bend to take his shots. Abishek had three game points in the first game, but couldn’t capitalize. As the match progressed, Abishek attacked a bit more that took Seun by surprise. The 14-16, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7 victory in the third rubber gave India the bronze. In the evening (7 p.m.), Singapore will meet England in the men's final. The qualifying matches for the individual events (men and women) are on. The main draw begins on Sunday evening.
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Men: Bronze medal: Ind bt NGR 3-0 (Sharath Kamal bt Quadri Akinade Aruna 11-7, 11-4, 11-3; Amalraj bt Monday Merotohun 11-4, 11-7, 11-4; R. Abishek bt Seun Ajetunmobi 14-16, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7).