Paddler Sathiyan bows out of Austrian Open

Star Indian paddler G.Sathiyans dazzling run in the prestigious 2018 ITTF World Tour Platinum Austrian Open came to an end after he went down fighting to World No. 2 Xin Xu of China here.

Sathiyan, who upset World No. 17 Sangeun Jeong of Korea and World No. 14 Marcos Freitas of Portugal to earn a berth in the Round of 16, on Friday lost 1-4 after a spirited fight.

The Indian table tennis star lost the first game 1-11, failing to find his rhythm. He rebounded in the next game but still couldn't force a victory.

In the third game, however, it was Sathiyan all the way, as he attacked and posted a smart 11-7 win. But the left-handed Chinese killed any hopes of a comeback and another mega upset, wrapping up the next two games 11-2, 11-4 rather easily.

"It was a tough match against Xin but these wins have given me confidence. I know I will strive further now and will come back stronger," Sathiyan said after the pre-quarter defeat.

--IANS

tri/bg