
Inspiration seldom translates into prompt emulation. But Aditi Mutatkar is making sure she goes beyond celebrating compatriot Saina Nehwal8217;s feats by becoming an able No. 2 in India. At the Bitburger Open on Sunday, Mutatkar went down 22-24, 21-8, 23-21 in a heart-breaking loss to Indonesian Maria Febe Kusumastuti, her couple of frittered match points depriving her of what would have been a maiden four-star title for the 20-year-old youngster.
But the Pune girl is determined to put this loss behind and carry the momentum into the remainder of her tournaments in Europe. A six-week stint arranged by coach Prakash Padukone to spar alongside the French national team in Paris came good, as she could train under their coach and former world No. 5 England8217;s Julia Mann before making her first GP final here.
8220;It was a little devastating,8221; she probably understated of her loss on Sunday, where she got over-cautious holding on to her 20-17 lead in the third game, restricting the strokes which could8217;ve gotten her the victory over the an opponent she has beaten earlier.
8220;I8217;ve lost a few close games before because of hurrying my shots, and recalling those, I over-did the patience thing,8221; she told The Indian Express. 8220;I need to find the right mix, but there8217;s no time to sulk, since I play the Bulgarian Open next,8221; says the Padukone Academy ward, who was travelling without a coach for the first time. 8220;It8217;s happened to her in the past, she8217;s lost close games, even in the ABC, after having led. We need to work on the mental strength so she doesn8217;t repeat mistakes,8221; said Padukone from Bangalore.