Asian Games: Rishabh Das Books 100m Backstroke Final Spot

Asian Games: Rishabh Das books 100m backstroke final spot (Asian Games: Rishabh Das books 100m backstroke final spot)

Mohamed Anas Imran Beg: Indian swimmer Rishabh Das booked his place in the men’s 100m backstroke final at the Asian Games after producing a strong performance in the heats on Sunday, finishing fifth overall with a time of 54.85 seconds.

Das finished third in Heat 3 and advanced to Monday’s final, keeping India’s hopes alive in the event. He finished 0.63 seconds behind second-placed Japanese swimmer Hidekazu Takehara, while China’s Asian record holder Xu Jiayu topped the overall standings in 52.63 seconds.

Compatriot Utkarsh Patil, however, narrowly missed out on a place in the final. Patil clocked 56.19 seconds to finish sixth in his heat and 12th overall, leaving him as a reserve for the final.

India endured a less encouraging outing in the men’s 100m freestyle heats. Rohit Benedicton finished fifth in Heat 5 with a timing of 50.25 seconds and was 12th overall, earning a reserve spot. Akash Mani finished eighth in the same heat in 50.85 seconds and did not advance.

Elsewhere, India enjoyed a winning start in the women’s team event in table tennis, defeating Indonesia 3-0. Sreeja Akula put India ahead in the opening match before Diya Chitale extended the advantage with an 11-9, 11-8, 11-5 victory over Almaira Nebuchadnezzar.

Yashaswini Ghorpade then completed the sweep, defeating Citra Rasmi 12-10, 11-4, 11-4. India will next face Singapore in their Group F encounter at 12:30 PM on Sunday.

Elsewhere, India enjoyed a winning start in the women’s team event in table tennis, defeating Indonesia 3-0. Sreeja Akula put India ahead in the opening match before Diya Chitale extended the advantage with an 11-9, 11-8, 11-5 victory over Almaira Nebuchadnezzar.

With Das now through to the 100m backstroke final, Indian swimming will have another opportunity to challenge for honours when the event resumes on Monday.

Article Source: IANS