TT: Manav ends with silver at WJC Finals

Paddler Manav Thakkar did everything right until the final of the ITTF World Junior Circuit Finals at Luxembourg, where he failed to continue the good work and had to settle for the silver.

Thakkar, seeded No.3, failed to cash in on the close sixth game win, going down to top-seed Kanak Jha of the US 3-4 (11-9, 3-11, 11-9. 6-11, 3-11, 11-9, 6-11) in the see-saw final that saw the pendulum swing from one extreme to another.

In fact, credit must go to the American youngster who did not qualify for the main draw but made it there through games ratio after finishing first in the initial group stage.

But Kanak, who had been consistent, converted some good points which ultimately made the difference. And Manav admitted as much.

"He converted some good points and got benefited from negatives that I shouldn't have offered," said Manav, who was meeting his rival for the first time.

In the semi-finals Manav accounted for Egypt's Youssef Abdel-Aziz, who had beaten Kanak in the group stages, in straight games of 11-8, 11-8, 11-5, 11-8.

In the other semi-final, the US paddler defeated sixth-seed Russian Ivonin Denis 11-3, 12-10, 11-9, 11-6.

After the loss, Manav conceded that his opponent was consistent and quick.

"Whoever got into good position to play strongly won the point," said Manav, hiding his disappointment.

Incidentally, he was on top of the WJC chart before going into the Finals and had become the world No. 2.

--IANS

dm/tri/bg