Austrian Open table-tennis: Sathiyan’s fairytale run ends

The Indian managed to snatch a game, but Xu proved far superior, sealing the tie 11-1, 11-7, 7-11, 11-2, 11-4.

G. Sathiyan. File

World No. 2 Xin Xu ended Sathiyan’s fairytale run at the ITTF World Tour Platinum Austrian table tennis Open after he coasted to a 4-1 win in their pre-quarterfinal clash on Friday. 

The Indian managed to snatch a game, but Xu proved far superior, sealing the tie 11-1, 11-7, 7-11, 11-2, 11-4.

Earlier, Sathiyan had knocked out World No.16 Marcos Freitas to set up the clash with Xu. Ranked World No. 35 and the lone Indian in the main draw, Sathiyan had to play out of his skin to down Freitas 4-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7.