Sarath, Subhajit win India?s first table tennis gold

India?s Achanta Sarath Kamal and Subhajit Saha made a fine rally to win the hosts? first gold from table tennis in the ongoing Commonwealth Games defeating Gao and Yang of Singapore in the final of the men?s doubles after a five set thriller 9-11, 12-10, 11-4 , 5-11 and 11-8.

In spite of being down 0-1 after losing the first set closely at 9-11, the Indian duo never lost heart and fought back strongly to draw level winning the second set 12-10.

Inspired after restoring parity, Sarath and Subhajit combined well and with some accurate smashes dominated the proceedings to win the third conceding only four points (11-4). But the Indian pair failed to maintain the tempo in the fourth and lost it cheaply at 5-11.

In the decider though both the team fought with dogged determination, the hosts managed to keep their cool to maintain an edge for most of the time. After taking a 9-8 lead the Indian duo never looked back and won the final set 11-8 to clinch the issue in their favour.

After their victory Sarath Kamal said: ?It?s a fantastic victory. It was a very close match. I am happy that finally we could win a gold in table tennis.?

Commenting on their win, Subhajit said: ? I can?t express my feeling. We have worked so hard for all these days. I am indeed very happy to be able to live up to the expectation.”