Indian shuttler Rohan Thool crashes out in Spanish International Challenge tournament qualifiers

Rohan Thool has crashed out in the qualifiers for the Spanish International Challenge Badminton tournament which got underway at La Nucía, Spain on Wednesday.

Yohan Barbieri of France beat Rohan Thool 21-18, 10-21, 21-12 in the first round of qualification.

Rohan Thool was the lone Indian entrant in the tournament. The 16-year-old Frenchman, who despite being three years younger than his opponent, looked more mature in his game management.

The reigning Maharashtra under-19 boys’ singles champion, Rohan Thool, started well and was very much in control of the first game. However, Yohan Barbieri stepped up the pace to eventually clinch the game, 21-18.

Rohan Thool was found wanting against his French opponent

Rohan Thool’s lack of international experience was evident

Rohan Thool, 19, found his rhythm in the second game. The Thane youngster displayed his array of shots and smashes to claim the second game quite easily at 21-10.

Rohan Thool's performance in the second game held the promise of a positive outcome. But it was not to be as he failed to carry the momentum into the final game.

Yohan Barbieri took control of proceedings in the decider. His experience of playing on the European circuit became evident as Thool looked out of sorts.

Rohan Thool

From 7-7, Yohan Barbieri reeled off five consecutive points to establish a strong lead. The Indian teenager was unable to handle the sustained pressure as his lack of experience in international tournaments shone through.

According to former Thane Badminton Academy officials, Rohan Thool has now shifted to Ireland to pursue his degree in pharmacy. He plans to participate in more European tournaments whenever the chance presents itself.

At the 2019 Maharashtra state championship in Nagpur, Rohan Thool had defeated his Thane academy training partner Rahoul Kanne 21-18, 21-19 to bag his maiden state junior title. Before shifting to Ireland, Rohan Thool regularly played state- and national-level junior as well as senior tournaments.