Sutirtha Mukherjee in action.
Photo Credits: The Goan
PANAJI
A major highlight for the Indian contingent on the day stood qualifier Sutirtha Mukherjee, and more so as she upset the applecart by defeating the much fancied, higher-ranked Jia Nan Yuan of France in the Women's Singles Round of 32 clash in straight sets at WTT Goa in Taleigao on Thursday.
Defeating the seasoned World No. 18 Yuan, Mukherjee was visibly delighted. "I felt very good because she is a very highly ranked player comparatively," she replied to a question put forth by The Goan. Claiming it her biggest career victory yet, Mukherjee revealed that she came with a clear mindset of playing her customary free, open game. "I played her once earlier and I lost a close match. For this match, I decided to play my usual free, attacking game and tweaked my strategy a bit as well," the 147 world-ranked Indian Women's Singles player stated.
Having made her way to the Round of 16, the Bengali paddler is not putting any undue pressure on herself, and simply sidelines the thought of any expectations. "I came here with not much practice behind me, and not thinking too far ahead," the 27-year-old revealed.
Unfortunately, though Mukherjee lost her grandmother barely a week ago, and possibly not having been in the best mental space in her preparations for WTT Goa, the India no. 4 Women's Singles paddler has shown strong mental resolve to be on a high in this tournament thus far.
Her coach, Soumyadeep Roy believes that his ward is a very resilient, hardworking paddler. "I believe she (Mukherjee) is a fighter, and who keeps working systematically. She keeps her self-belief high," he stated.
Incidentally, Mukherjee has not been playing in international tournaments since last year due to a lack of funds, and only participating in domestic tournaments. "With a lack of international exposure, we had a long period of time together which proved to be a blessing in disguise. In the last few months, Mukherjee has been in very good touch, starting from the National Games. I believe she has had a good run in this tournament and I hope it continues," Mukherjee's personal coach said.
Sutirtha Mukherjee will play another highly-ranked opponent Fu Yu (Portugal, World No. 19) next, in the Round of 16.
