Sathiyan Gnansekaran is not a household name within India’s sporting landscape, but the 24-year old has just won India’s first international Men’s singles titles in half a decade, since Achanta Sharath Kamal in 2012. The world number 152 defeated local favourite Cerdic Nuytinck to lift the Belgian Open title in straight sets, 3-1 (15-13, 11-6, 11-2, 17-15). His opponent was ranked 38 spots ahead of him, but that did not stop the Tamil Nadu based paddler to round off a relatively one-sided final.
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Speaking to Sportskeeda, he said, “Not making the Olympic squad really affected me, because I know for a fact that if I worked a bit harder I would be there. However, never in my wildest dreams think that I could win the tournament. Cedric had a full capacity crowd supporting him, but I just played my game. It’s sometimes better to play with instinct rather than play consciously. I will use this victory to help me regain my confidence as it was majorly hit after failing to make it to the Olympics.”
This particular victory could see Sathiyan enter the world top 125 for the first time in his career.
An integral member of India’s successful World Team Championship victory, Sathiyan rates this particular win as the highlight of his career so far. He said, “My career hasn’t been that long, but my most memorable moment was beating the world number 63, Gerell from Sweden, defeating Sharath Kamal, my idol at the National Championships. Also at the Junior Championships I beat the World champion, but none of them come close to this. I was at a point where I started doubting my ability, but this has given me a massive confidence boost.”
Having completed his engineering degree in Chennai, Sathiyan turned pro in 2012 and hasn’t look back since. Like many from the city and state, he grew up idolising the poster boy of Indian table tennis Achanta Sharath Kamal. He added, “We have learned a lot from him, all of us. He has helped table tennis in India survive and thrive and beaten the best in the world as well. So, I really respect him for that.”
The GoSports Foundation-supported paddler will stay in Europe to play a few more tournaments, before making a triumphant return to India.
