Somdev Devvarman

Guangzhou, Nov 22: Somdev Devvarman is all set to create history in men’s singles if he wins gold, as he reached through the finals by winning a thrilling game, where he came back from almost dead.  He beats Tatsuma Ito, where before he was down in the second set, but was strong enough to make up, and win the game over here today in men’s singles battle. Somdev, who is second seeded, conquered over his Japanese opponent by 6-2, 0-6, 6-3, and booked his place in men’s singles finals in Asian Games, where he will compete for gold, which will be first time ever in history. Somdev has ensured that India will at least have silver medal in men’s singles.

Sania Mirza the Indian top tennis player had earlier won silver in Doha in last Commonwealth Games, but no one except Somdev have reached through finals in men’s singles clash. India had won three bronze so far. Leander Paes bagged the bronze in Hiroshima Games in 1994, while his partner Mahesh Bhupathi and Prahlad Srinath clinched it in 1998 in Bangkok Games. In the match, Somdev the second seeded and ranked 106 won the first set very easily by 6-2, but in the second set the Japanese opponent Tatsuma, who is fourth seeded and ranked 195 whitewashed Somdev by 0-6.

Things were really hard and tough for Somdev, as he was traded service breaks by his rival in the first four games. But Somdev performed really well under tense and nervous situation, and came back to save two breaking points in the fifth game. That was the turning moment of game, as Somdev third time continuously saved the breaking point, and this time decisively, before at last he won the third and final set by 6-3, and went through the finals. He will play for gold against top seeded Denis Istomin from Uzbekistan.

Tags: Asian Games, Asian Games 2010, Gold, Gold Medal, Guangzhou, Indian Sports, Somdev Devvarman, Sports, Sports India, Tennis