Gujarat’s Harmeet Desai becomes first Indian to win Brazil open

Surat, 17 June 2012

Son of Gujarat, Harmeet Desai defeated Belgian Cedric Nuytin 4-2 to win the under-21 men’s final of the Brazil Open table tennis tournament in Santos.

Desai who is from Surat, Gujarat has become the first Indian to win Brazil Open TT title.

The intense final Saturday saw the Indian winning 11-3, 6-11, 11-6, 11-9, 5-11, 11-6.

Earlier, the No. 4 seed had beaten Olympic-bound compatriot Soumyajit Ghosh 10-12, 11-8, 6-11, 11-1, 11-4, 11-4 in the semifinals.

Desai said he needed to win the title after a long drought. “I haven’t won a title for nearly a year. Cedric was good with his game, often surprising with some great attacks. In the decider, I kept my cool and returned whatever he sent back,” said Desai.

The title contest turned out to be a riveting one as both finalists were in great from after causing upsets in the earlier rounds.

Coach Bhawani Mukerjee praised his ward saying “Desai maintained the intensity that was needed in the final. Even otherwise, he was good through the entire tournament,” said Mukherjee.