Indian men lose to Argentina in play-off match

Bremen, Germany, Apr 30 (UNI) Indian men put up a disappointing show going down 2-3 to lowly Argentina in a playoff match of the World Team Table Tennis Championship here today.

India, who had already squandered the chance to qualify for the Division I, losing to England 2-3 yesterday in the pre-quarterfinals, began the tie disastrously with spearhead Sharath Kamal and Subhajit Saha losing the first two matches against their Argentine opponents.

But, Pathik Mehta, who was give to chance to play in the inconsequential tie, gave India a fightback beating Alto Gaston Diego in straight games.

Sharath Kamal then made it 2-2 coming back from a set down against Tabachnik Pablo.

A rejuvinated Subhajit Saha put up a gritty fight against Liu Song only to lose a gruelling five-game match to concede victory to Argentina.

India will now play Slovenia, who also lost to Bulgaria 0-3 today, for the 35th place.

Results: Liu Song bt Achanta Sharath Kamal 9-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4 Tabachnik Pablo bt Subhajit Saha 11-9, 13-11, 11-6 Pathik Mehta bt Alto Gaston Diego 13-11, 11-3, 11-6 Achanta Sharath Kamal bt Tabachnik Pablo 13-11, 11-5 12-14, 12-10 Liu Song bt Subhajit Saha 6-11, 11-9, 4-11, 11-9, 11-2 UNI XC PDS PG KP1645