India’s Sharath Kamal concluded his impressive journey at the Singapore Smash table tennis tournament with a defeat in the men’s singles quarterfinals against World No. 6 Felix Lebrun, succumbing to a 1-4 loss on Friday.
Right from the beginning, the 17-year-old Lebrun showcased his authority, leveraging his youthful energy and impressive speed to seize command of the match. Despite the 41-year-old Sharath’s efforts to stage a comeback, the young French talent remained relentless, clinching the first three games with precision and determination.
Despite facing adversity, Sharath displayed his prowess by winning the fourth game, showcasing the same skill level observed throughout the tournament. Having triumphed over formidable opponents such as World No. 22 Omar Assar, World No. 13 Darko Jorgic, and World No. 51 Nicolas Burgos in the earlier rounds, Sharath’s performance marked a significant achievement.
This exceptional showing is anticipated to propel him into the top 40 in the world rankings and secure his position as India’s No. 1 player in the upcoming week.
With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Sharath’s stellar performance at the WTT tournament couldn’t have come at a better time. It sets a promising trajectory for his preparation and aspirations for the upcoming international event. Despite the loss, Sharath’s remarkable display underscores his potential for future success on the global stage.
