Published>Sat, Oct 30 10 05:48 AM
Two years ago ? despite enjoying the best upswinging rally on the ranking charts of his career ? Chetan Anand had narrowly missed out of making the cut for the Beijing Olympics falling short in the ranking-numbers. A couple of tumultuous seasons on, Chetan Anand, only just clinging on to his top 20 slot now, will again watch another major event in China pass by ? this time pulling out after his form and fitness have taken a rough turn. Persistent ankle trouble after pulling a muscle has compelled India's top men's singles player to withdraw from the Asian Games, his coach SM Arif confirmed on Friday.
"His performance had gone down and as a result of his ankle problems he was playing only at 40-50 per cent of his capability. He couldn't train as well as he wished for the Commonwealth Games, and his domestic problems also meant he was playing well below par," the Hyderabad-based coach said.
Due to take on Thai Boonsak Ponsana in a tough opener at Guangzhou, Chetan has chosen to opt out ? his decision coming soon after his first-round exit from the Denmark Open Super Series. "We knew his preparation wasn't optimum for the Commonwealth Games, and he travelled to Europe only to shore up his rankings. But just travelling to Asian Games with incomplete preparation and merely as a tourist will be wrong. He's feeling down, and unless he is at a 100 per cent, it won't be right to carry on into such a big tournament," Arif added.
The coach has set a date for the Nationals at the turn of this year ? in a domestic tournament that has always boosted his confidence. "We'll focus a lot on on-court training now and very specific exercises. He should be at a 75 per cent in a month's time," the coach said. "If he can put his head down and focus on his game and fitness, he should be back."
'Domestic trouble has taken a toll'
Admitting that his domestic troubles and separation from wife Jwala Gutta had taken a toll, Arif added, "It's never easy for any of the individuals involved. And when Chetan is psychologically disturbed and not entirely happy, it affects his game a lot. But I also believe, that the game itself will be cathartic for him, and he will regain his confidence on the court better than anywhere else. We all want him to overcome from this loss of morale," he said, adding that the new season should herald brighter beginnings for the World No 20.
Source: Web Search
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