Sharath Kamal of India is playing the best table tennis he’s played in the last year and half. The 41-year-old resumed his giant-killing run at the Singapore Smash table tennis competition, defeating Egypt’s Omar Assar 3-0 (11-4, 11-8, 12-10) in the men’s singles round of 16. Earlier in the second round, he defeated World No. 13, Darko Jorgic of Slovenia.
Sharath, a qualifier and rated 88th in the world, attacked from the start, leaving no room for Omar to settle. His trademark forehand top-spins and backhand whiplash from behind the table were on full display in all three games.
Omar, the World No. 22, began cautiously, content to counter-attack and block. On the other hand, the Indian, the defending Commonwealth Games singles champion, was aggressive from the start.
Sharath found himself in trouble, down 4-8 in the third game, but he eventually recovered. At 8-8, the Indian delivered a superb backhand whiplash down the line winner. At 10-10, Sharath hit a tremendous forehand down the line for the win. Then, a return from Omar reached the net, advancing Sharath to the quarterfinals.