12 years later, Sharath Kamal seeks another double gold in Australia

Two of A Sharath Kamal's three gold medals at the Commonwealth Games were won in Australia and it is this little statistic which is driving India's finest table tennis player to go for another double in the Gold Coast edition next month.

In all probability, the upcoming mega-event from April 4 to 15 will be the last CWG appearance for the 35-year-old, who has been leading India's mantle in the racket sport since 2006 Melbourne Games when he exceeded expectations by winning the team as well as the singles gold.

Sharath has his name on all the three gold medals India has won at the quadrennial competition and factoring in his recent form, he thinks he can add at least another two yellow metal to his overall kitty.

The Indian stunned world number 7 Koki Niwa at the Qatar Open earlier this month for "the biggest win of his career".

"I feel we have a good chance in all four categories (singles, team, doubles and mixed doubles). It is easily the strongest men's squad we have fielded at the Commonwealth Games," Sharath told PTI, referring to the fact that India has as many as six players in the top-100 of ITTF men's rankings.

"The ranking system has changed completely and the more you play, the better it is. That is one of the reasons why six of us are in the top-100. Having said that, the boys are doing really well and we really have a strong squad."
"The preparations have been good since September. I was happy to win the nationals (a record 8th trophy), it gave me the momentum I needed. Things I have been working on, both physically and mentally, have come along finally."
"It is the main reason I was able to beat Koki Niwa. He did not see it coming."