Two of the most promising stars of Indian Table Tennis were up against each other in ITTF Indonesian Open Table Tennis Championship 2019 in Batam of Indonesia on 17 November 2019. In an all-Indian final, ONGCian Harmeet Desai defeated another ONGCian Amal Raj Anthony, in a very closely fought final. The scores were 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9.

Harmeet Desai in action

This is Harmeet's second International title of the year, after winning the Commonwealth Championship in July at Cuttack. Harmeet has been in a splendid form since last two years – which was recognized by Government, by conferring him with Arjuna Award this year.

The Final witnessed tough competitions between two highly skilled paddlers. Harmeet started very positively and was on front seat from the first game, winning the game 11-9. Amalraj, who is also an Arjuna Awardee in 2017 and Commonwealth games champion, responded to his explosive start and took the second set 9-11.

ONGCians Harmeet Desai and Amal Raj

Ranked 104 in World, Harmeet took control of the game totally by winning next two games by identical margin. Amalraj tried to reduce the lead by winning the next game, but then the Commonwealth Champion took total control of the match by winning the 6th game and sealing the title and therefore winning his second international title of the year.