Goal is to get into top 100 this season, says Sathiyan

The 24-year-old Tamil Nadu player, ranked 152, beat local lad Cerdic Nuytinck to win the Belgian Open 3-1 (15-13, 11-6, 11-2, 17-15). Nuytinck, ranked 38 spots ahead, had no answers to Sathiyan’s all-round display and surrendered in a one-sided final. 

Both Sathiyan and Nuytinck endured tough semi-final matches, with the full seven game distance required to see off Harald Andersson (Sweden) and Benedikt Duda (Germany) respectively. 

Speaking to DTNext from Belgium, Sathiyan was over the moon on the result. “It’s the best moment in my life. Never in my life I had even thought I could win a senior Pro-tour,” he said.

The paddler said he enjoyed playing to maximise benefits. “Being the underdog, I had no pressure. I enjoyed playing game and took it match by match. I finally realised I had won a senior Pro-tour title after beating Nuytinck. The title and the gold was never on my mind,” he added.

The Tamil Nadu player said he gained confidence after beating world no. 75 in the quarter-final. “I think the biggest win was in the last eight against the bottom seed and Steffen Mengel of Germany. That gave me huge confidence and made me realise my potential,” Sathiyan said. 

Sathiyan had to made subtle changes to his game before the tournament and credited his coach S. Raman for bringing out the best in him. 

“My approach to the game has changed. I am more aggressive now and take my chances. Also I feel, I am mentally more stable in crucial points and converting those in those close games made the difference. I think the aggression was lacking in my game. I must thank Raman sir who changed my mind set and asked me to play my shots now which has helped me,” he added. 

The paddler said playing a lot in alien conditions and with European players helped him a lot. “I improved on my physical fitness, so I am able to sustain longer matches and play hard. I have been playing a lot of Pro-tours in the last few years and also playing in the European league with different kind of players helped me mould my game a lot. I am getting matured as a player and I have improved on my ability to think better in tense moments. I think playing more matches in this level helped me a lot,” Sathiyan said.

The Chennai player is not ready to rest on his laurels. “I am striving to improve every day and bring new challenges to the game. My goal is to get into the top-100 within this season and try to get into top-50 in next couple of years. I want to set my goals high and give a shot in the world championships and bigger tournaments,” he added.