Ritwik back into fitness with title

The Indian fought back from 1-2 down to beat Pakistan’s Bilal Zaman 11-6, 9-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9 claiming the title — a PSA crown coming an Indian’s way after five barren months.

Playing a string of five-set games over the last few tournaments, his 90-minute semi-final win on the way to the title triumph in the Super Satellite event topped those marathon efforts, signalling an ‘all’s-well’ fitness report with the knee holding out.

“That was a crazy match —first game 20-18. The three games I won were all tie-breaks, but I wasn’t thinking too much, just staying in there, and smiling through it,” said India’s No 2, whose comeback trail is littered with various niggles, an annoying ligament tear and finally surgery in February which put an end to the pain.

“But I’m more relaxed in five-setters now. So mentally I feel as strong as ever,” the 28-year-old known for his fightbacks, said after pocketing a title after almost a year. Working hard on his balance and core strength post injury, Bhattacharya also shed considerable weight having bulked up during his recuperation period.

Coming into the tournament, Bhattacharya had tested waters at Hong Kong where he went down to the World No 18 in a tough encounter, and had earlier made his debut main draw of the World Open and also strolled to the title at CCI, Mumbai before triumphing in Malaysia—the last of the ranking tournaments for the year.

“It’s my best result in Malaysia after having reached the final here last time, and I’m hoping for a good run next year,” he said.

India’s Malaysian consultant coach Major Maniam commenting on the performance said: “It’s good preparation for the world team championship in Chennai where India are seeded 10th.”

Hosts this year, India had finished 11th in the last edition and are hoping for a stronger performance.

For Bhattacharya, his days of weak-knees are over.