by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

All four games were close but arguably the third was to prove the most vital; it gave the Indian duo the vital edge in the contest.

In the fourth game the India pair won the first three points, Philip Floritz signalled “Time Out”. The Europeans levelled at 7-all; the next four points were shared. At 10-9 it was match point to Amalraj Anthony and Soumyajit Ghosh, an opportunity; a forehand from Philipp Floritz flew long, India rejoiced.

Pertinently it was the first time that India had won a Men’s Doubles title on either the ITTF Challenge Series or ITTF World Tour.

“This is big for us, it’s the first time we have won such a title; it’s the first time for India.” Soumyajit Ghosh

A first for India on what was in effect a third attempt for the country and a second for Soumyajit Ghosh.

On the ITTF World Tour, on home soil in Indore in 2009, Sharath Kamal Achanta and Subhajit Saha had experienced defeat at the final hurdle being beaten by Singapore’s Gao Ning and Yang Zi. More recently in Tweeds Heads, Australia, Soumyajit Ghosh in partnership with Harmeet Desai had lost to Hong Kong’s Ho Kwan Kit and Lam Siu Hang in the title deciding contest.

“For me the first time in a final, the first gold; I’ve played for over ten years internationally; always it’s China, Japan and Germany winning, now India wins. It’s good for India good for the future of table tennis in India.” Amalraj Anthony.

Close for Soumyajit Ghosh in the southern hemisphere in Australia, in Chile, also south of the Equator, it was gold; in harness with Amalraj Anthony the Men’s Doubles title was secured; champions in Chile.