Silver lining and praise for winner from Liam
LIAM PITCHFORD believes there was little more he could have done as he had to settle for a valiant Commonwealth silver in the table tennis men’s singles.
Pitchford, from Chesterfield, was beaten 4-1 by Sharath Kamal Achanta and the Chesterfield player admitted he was simply defeated by the better man at the NEC yesterday.
The 29-year-old already had gold from the men’s doubles and bronze from the men’s team events and completes his collection with silver.
“It was a difficult match,” said Pitchford, who won gold in the men’s doubles alongside Paul Drinkhall a day earlier.
“He played unbelievably well and credit to him.
“For the first set and a half I didn’t really know where to play against him, he knew where I was playing every ball.
“I probably got caught up in trying to hit the ball past him and he was just waiting.
“He just played tactically well against me and I couldn’t really do anything.
“I don’t think I played particularly badly but I didn’t know where to play the ball against him. I need to go back and do my homework for next time.”
Pitchford took the first game 13-11 as he was roared on by a packed and partisan Hall Three but Achanta struck back to take the second and then race through the third to take control of the match.
Those watching continued to will on Pitchford, as he regularly looked up to the rest of the England squad who were watching, but Achanta ultimately proved too good.
However, despite his disappointment, Pitchford is looking to take the positives and is simply enjoying playing the sport again.
“If you told me even a week ago that I’d get a silver medal in the singles, I would have bitten your hand off,” added Pitchford.
“People don’t know what goes on behind the scenes and it’s been tough. I’ve been close to not even stepping out on the court.
“To get to a final and give everything, I just didn’t have anything left.
“I’m proud that I came out and I got a silver medal. Disappointed with losing but silver is better than nothing.
“It’s a credit to me that I’ve gone out and tried to keep pushing. I’ve found me again and I’ve just enjoyed being out there and, hopefully, that can continue.”
The men’s singles final was the final act of the table tennis programme for Birmingham 2022 and Pitchford, who also picked up a bronze medal with England in the team event, savoured the experience of playing in front of a home crowd.
“It’s been amazing,” he said. “Having the crowd behind us, every match we’ve played, playing in front of that is special and to win a gold medal in front of that is even more so. We’ve had family here and for them to see that is amazing.” ■■National Lottery players raise more than £30m a week for good causes including vital funding into sport – from grassroots to elite. Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and get involved by using the hashtag: #TNLAthletes