Wesley Do Rosario in action.
Photo Credits: The Goan
PANAJI
The biggest Table Tennis spectacle in the country and that too happening in the State. The cynosure of every set of eyes, apart from the world's elite and India's best, one could not stray away from attention on the local lad, Wesley Do Rosario if the wholehearted cheering was of any indication to go by at the WTT Star Contender Goa in Taleigao on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old from Margao who is based in Haryana may have lost his Mixed Doubles and Singles matches on the day, but he gave every indication that he has the potential for steadfast growth to take his game to the next level.
Speaking exclusively to The Goan, Do Rosario, the lone Goan at the prestigious World Table Tennis event relished his experience participating in the prestigious tournament and soaking in the atmosphere. "It has really been a great experience as so many world players have come here. Even my idol, Fan Zhendong (China) is here. It has been great to watch them play in practice," the exciting talent gushed.
Do Rosario also revealed that he was in Chennai at Sharath Kamal's Academy to practice for 10 days in preparation for the WTT Star Contender Goa and it was a good experience. Playing his first game first thing in the morning on Table 1 as a wildcard entrant along with 17-year-old Suhana Saini from Haryana in the Round of 16 Mixed Doubles against the vastly experienced French pair of Emmanuel Lebesson and Jia Nan Yuan, The Indian duo put up a brave front in the first two games, before succumbing in the all-important third game tamely to lose the match at 8-11, 10-12, 2-11. It has to be noted that the pair were playing together competitively for the very first time and trained together as a doubles pair for three hours at best to get to know each other's game. Taking that into consideration, the pair did exceed expectations. They even staged a comeback from 6-8 down in the second game to take a lead at 9-8, but mistakes due to pressure cost them the game, as Do Rosario admitted.
Later that afternoon, the Goan rising paddler was up against Lebesson, in the Round of 64 Men's Singles and he was better prepared this time. "I watched his videos with other players. He is a leftie also. I tried to figure out what to do, what not to do, find his strong points and weak points, and accordingly prepare," Do Rosario said. He may have lost in straight games (11-4, 11-3, 11-8) but in the third game he put up a stronger show to lose the match with his head held high.
Having spent three days at the WTT Star Contender Goa, Do Rosario reveals it has been a great learning experience. "This is the first time the world's best players have come and I have been meeting them and learning a lot from them like how quick they are, and what their training regimen is," the rising Table Tennis star divulged.
He acknowledges that WTT Star Contender Goa will have a tremendous impact on emerging players like him. "I think there would be a great impact on Indian players as there are a lot of upcoming players. They can get to see world players play and which I think would be very motivating for them.
Do Rosario will be seen participating next in the Senior Nationals in Jammu from March 20 playing from Haryana in the team in the Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles events.
