Gobi's Progress in 2009 IBAD World Championships in Seoul, Korea

My result against Jaya Wasala was an improvement on my 3 game victory over him in Germany and left me feeling confident. As winner of Group B, I was to play the Runner-up of Group A. Unfortunately for me, Amir Levy, the World No 1 was my opponent in the Quarter Final as he suffered a surprise defeat in the group stages.

My progress in the tournament ended there I was comfortably beaten by the Israeli, 6 - 21, 7 – 21. Amir had been stung by a defeat in the group stages and made sure that he was in fine form against me. My pride was somewhat battered after the defeat and it was evident I still have a lot to learn from some of the more experienced players on the circuit.

As well as the Singles, I took part in the doubles and was paired with Pascal Barrillon from France – a Class 2 player. Having never played together before we were up against it in a tough group.

We lost the opening game 14-21, 16-21, to No 2 Seeds Munidasa Walimunige and Jayathalika Wasala from Sri Lanka and then lost to the Finalists, Thailand’s Homhual Jakarin and Junthong Dumnern 10-21, 23-25.

We were out of the tournament after that defeat however we managed a consolation victory against Peng Kuong Wong and Kam Lin Long (Macau) winning 21-18 in the first game and then comfortably taking the last game 21-9 to end the tournament with a victory.

Overall, a decent tournament for my first appearance in a World Championships but still have a lot to learn. It was a great experience and meeting players, coaches and spectators from the far east.

My next goals are now the 4 Nations in Dublin (Nov ‘09), the French International in April ’10 and the European Championships in Switzerland in May ’10.

Thanks as always to everyone who has supported me in getting to Seoul. Particularly to Pinnacle Transportation Limited who made it possible for me to get to Korea, my coach Kelly Matthews and not forgetting Steven Chappell at Victor Sports.

Kind regards  

Gobi Ranganathan (gobi.ranganathan@ptl.co.uk)

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