Gold remains elusive, India end with 2 silvers, 7 bronze

Achantha Sharath Kamal and Mouma Das suffered contrasting semifinal defeats in their respective singles as India rounded up its Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships campaign without a single gold medal, here today.
At least six of the eight semifinals, including doubles, featured host players but none of them could make the summit clash as India bagged nine medals, including two silvers.
The most disappointing result for the hosts came when defending champions Kamal and Subhajit Saha settled for bronze following defeat at the hands of inexperienced English pair of Christopher Doran and Samuel Walker in the men's doubles.
The defending champions failed to match the exuberance and agility of the young English pair, losing the match 11-4 8-11 11-6 10-12 7-11.

In the men's singles, Kamal (70) tried hard to match the swiftness of Hu Li, the world No 55 from Singapore, but lost the match 10-12 7-11 13-11 10-12 4-11.
In the first game, the 31-year-old Indian made a costly service error at 10-10. He conceded point at crucial juncture as his serve found net. Out of frustration, he threw his racquet in the air.
Li, who had beaten Kamal in the team competition also, showed no mercy as he opened up a 2-0 lead after easily pocketing the second game.
Kamal dug deep into his resources and mustered all his will power to take the next game and be in contention. He was sending in quick backhand returns and seemed more comfortable in longer rallies.