Sharma survives two close calls to make main draw
RECURRING INJURIES
And that was evident in the semifinal when he retired after losing the first two sets, against Juan Martin del Porto, citing knee pain. The knee has been a recurring problem for Nadal along with his foot, shoulder, hamstring, back, wrist and hip!
But such is his prowess that despite the injuries, the 32-yearold has a superb record in five setters.
Out of the 32 five-set matches he has played, the world No 1 has won 20 with a success percentage of 62.5.
This is slightly better than his arch-rival and Swiss master Roger Federer, who has played 51 five setters in a much longer career, notching up 30 victories at an average of 58.82 per cent.
Nadal’s style of play (typically long rallies) makes one feel that he probably has played more and has a better winning record in five sets. Perhaps it is Federer’s effortless approach that makes fans feel that he is likely to finish off matches quickly. Novak Djokovic
NADAL’S RECORD IN FIVE SETS IS SLIGHTLY BETTER THAN THAT OF ARCHRIVAL ROGER FEDERER, WHO HAS PLAYED 51 FIVE SETTERS IN A LONGER CAREER
PUNE: Pune challenger Viren Sharma survived two close contests in the senior snooker qualifying round of the Maharashtra State Senior Snooker & Billiards Selection Championship being held at the Poona Club and Deccan Gymkhana..
Sharma overcame a strong fight from city rival Ajinkya Swami before pulling off a 63-33, 16-46, 39-66, 56-42, 62-48 win. He then managed to qualify for the main draw of the competition with a 44-70, 46-45, 6-70, 59-28, 73-46 win similar over another Pune rival Saad Sayeed. RESULTS
Qualifying - Round 2: