European experience to help in CWG, hopes Sharath

New Delhi, Oct 1 (India Report)
One of the defending champions at the Commonwealth Games, Olympain paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal said his recent training stint in Germany will hold him in good stead when he looks to retain his title at the table tennis event at the Delhi mega-event here.
Sharath, who joined his teammates at CWG Games Village earlier this week, feels he is a much improved player now and will be leaving no stones unturned to fetch glory in front of the home crowd when the table tennis competition starts on October 4 at Yamuna Sports Complex.
"I told my coach that I wanted to play in the European circuit for few more days before the Games and they happily agreed. So after the China Open I went to Germany and spent some extra time there.
"I got some good practice there. I am now in very good shape and confident of retaining the title,"Sharath told media.
"I think there will be tough competition in table tennis because a number of good players are there. I will be starting as the second seed in the singles category, behind Gao Ning of Singapore. The draw is going to be important,"said the world number 41.
The in-form Chennai paddler recently won two back-to-back international titles, including his maiden Pro Tour crown in Cairo. He also qualified for the main draw of the China Open recently.
Asked about the condition of the Games Village, Sharath blamed media for over-hyping the issue and said he was quite satisfied with the facilities there.
"The Village is actually nice, but media hyped it too much. Its nice to be here at the Village,"he said.
The Village recently came under attack from different quarters due to reported filthy staying conditions, although later the criticisms gave way to praise with athletes and other delegates giving thumbs up to the arrangements.
Besides singles, Sharath was also hopeful of good results in men&aposs doubles section, where he will pair up with former national champion Subhajit Saha.
"Subhajit has just recovered from an injury and returned to the rhythm fast. He is a good player and we have ability to do well in the Games,"the lanky paddler said.
In doubles also, the Indian duo will start as second seed.
In men&aposs category, Indian paddlers would have to overcome stiff challenges from Malaysia, New Zealand and Nigeria, among others.