"Felt quicker and powerful": Sharath Kamal on defeating Tiago Apolónia at Tokyo 2020

At 39, veteran Indian paddler Sharath Kamal has already recorded his best performance at the Olympics in Tokyo 2020 on Monday, by moving into the third round of the men's singles event.

The 20th seed received a bye in the first round before clinching a 4-2 win in the second round against his Portuguese rival Tiago Apolónia. For the Chennai-paddler, this particular win was significant for two reasons. It not only helped him get into a better head space at Tokyo 2020 but also to register his first win in 15 years against his familiar foe.

"I was really quick and powerful. I was happy with the way I played today. Barring the first game. In the first game, I was not connecting the ball, I was putting it two metres away. I could take Tiago (Apolónia) by surprise. Even though we have known each other for 15-16 years now," Kamal told Olympics.com.

"He was really surprised with the strategy that I have changed and my game style. I'm really happy. It was really important for my head (the win). I've prepared really hard and the draw is really tough. I've not beaten Tiago in the last 15 years. I've beaten him last in 2006 and since then, I've only lost," he added.

His next challenge will be stiffer as he is set to take on defending champion and World No.3. Ma Long from China. Kamal, however, has already analysed his opponent's game by breaking down videos of his strengths and weaknesses with the help of a few Indian players back home.

"I'm in my best shape. It's now or never. At the same time, it's going to be his first match to put the pressure on from the beginning. Let's see if I'm able to release my level where I can come to a situation to beat a player like Ma Long," Kamal said.

"I've already done (video analysis). I've spoken to my coach and a few more players from India. I spoke to a couple of them and told them to break down the videos and see at what time, at what stage, what kind of serve he will be looking at. So we have broken that down. It will be on me now to execute," he added.

Moreover, Kamal is also optimistic to make another Olympic appearance at Paris 2024 and prove his critics wrong.

"It's possible. There is a huge possibility there. A lot of people are writing this is going to be my last Olympic Games. I'm sorry for letting them down," Kamal clarified.

He, meanwhile, wants his Indian compatriot G Sathiyan to consider his shock exit in the second round of the men's singles event against Hong Kong's Lam Siu Hang in a seven-game thriller as a learning curve in his maiden Olympics.

"I think it was really hard for all of us, even in the room yesterday, he is usually a bit lively. Of course it's his first Olympic Games, it was all coming up very well (in that match), but it didn't turn out in his favour. But yeah, it's a learning experience and he will take it on from here," Kamal concluded.