London: India’s table tennis campaign started off on a disastrous note as the lone woman paddler Ankita Das representing the country at the London Olympic Games lost 1-4 to Spain’s Sara Ramirez at the ExCel centre here today.
The 19 year old girl from Siliguri who playing in her first ever Games and qualified ahead of her much fancied compatriot never could pose any substantial threat and lost the match in just 29 minutes.
The debutant had some sloppy moments and gave easy points and at times could not hold onto her serve as well. Ankita whose back point has been a weak link in her game was exploited by her opponent well.
After losing first three games, the Indian tried to force a comeback and won the fourth game 11-8, but then in the decisive final game she was beaten comprehensively.
She lost the match 11-9, 11-8, 11-7, 8-11, 11-2.
Earlier in the India in the day did not have much luck in other sports as well with the Indian Men’s Recurve team crashing out of the tournament and then doubles badminton pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju also losing their first round match.
The only saving grace for the Indian contingent at the Games till now is shuttler P Kashyap’s first victory over Yuhan Tan of Belgium.
By Indian Sports News Network
