Beware of Singapore at CWG: TT coach

Dhaka: Their game heavily influenced by China, Singapore will be India`s toughest rivals in the table

tennis competition of the Commonwealth Games this year, India coach Massimo Costantini said. Talking to reporters, he said Singapore will be the biggest threat to the Indians as their team boasts of former Chinese players and support staff. "China are the knowledge powerhouse in TT, like cricket in India. All Chinese have moved to Singapore making it a very strong side. We have to be mentally prepared to tackle the Chinese opposition.” "We are the only one country in the CWG who would not have a Chinese influence as of now," said Costantini, who was the coach of Italy from 2002 to 2005. Asked his assessment of the Indians, Costantini said country`s paddlers are strong mentally but need to strike more powerful shots. "We have suffered in the Asian championship. Pace of the stroke needs to be improved. In mind-games, India are much better than the European countries.” "We are just not fit enough and have to improve on our skills. In India, we rely more on backhand and less on forehand unlike in European countries where it`s about equal distribution." Costantini said the Indians` campaign in the upcoming World Championship before the Commonwealth Games will be a litmus test. "We have a world championship coming up before the Commonwealth Games. That`s very crucial as it will be one more assessment for us before the CWG.” Costantini, who will complete one year with the Indian side in 15 days, said it has been a memorable experience with the players as they share a camaraderie. "It takes some time to establish a relation and adjust to a situation and I think we have achieved that which is a good sign ahead of our CWG preparation," he said on the sidelines of India`s last day`s campaign in the 11th South Asian Games. The paddlers made a clean sweep at the Woodenfloor gymnasium courts grabbing all the available medals. In all India bagged seven gold, seven silver medals in table tennis. PTI