Paddler Sathiyan bows out of Austrian Open

Linz (Austria), Nov 10: Star Indian paddler G.Sathiyans dazzling run in the prestigious 2018 ITTF World Tour Platinum Austrian Open came to an end after he went down fighting to World No. 2 Xin Xu of China here.

Sathiyan, who upset World No. 17 Sangeun Jeong of Korea and World No. 14 Marcos Freitas of Portugal to earn a berth in the Round of 16, on Friday lost 1-4 after a spirited fight.

The Indian table tennis star lost the first game 1-11, failing to find his rhythm. He rebounded in the next game but still couldn't force a victory.

In the third game, however, it was Sathiyan all the way, as he attacked and posted a smart 11-7 win. But the left-handed Chinese killed any hopes of a comeback and another mega upset, wrapping up the next two games 11-2, 11-4 rather easily.

"It was a tough match against Xin but these wins have given me confidence. I know I will strive further now and will come back stronger," Sathiyan said after the pre-quarter defeat.