Panagiotis Gkionis was eliminated in the round of 32 of the Olympic table tennis tournament, but in his statements, he praised his opponent, acknowledging the superiority of American Kanak Jha.
Panagiotis Gkionis tried to make a complete comeback against American Kanak Jha, but lost 4-2 in games and was eliminated from the round of 32 of the Olympic table tennis tournament.
Speaking to ERT after the end of the match, the Greek athlete praised his opponent, emphasizing that the American played better than him.
In detail, he said:
“The opponent played exceptionally well, I must give him a lot of congratulations. He appeared to be better than me both mentally and physically.
It felt like I handed over 3 sets. I didn’t feel any pressure; I think my opponent didn’t allow me to find my rhythm at the start. I was also a bit unlucky throughout the game. He had many fortunate bounces. Surely, coming back from 3-0 is not easy. Of course, if I had taken the 6th set, I would have had many chances.
I had never played against the American before. I saw him in many videos with players who play like me. He has beaten most of them. He plays very intelligently. He does not maintain the same rhythm and strategy, he constantly changes throughout the set. And that made me take a little longer to find my rhythm.
Even in the 6th set where I was very good, at the end we saw him make some incredible shots. I didn’t expect those. On my attacks, he would counterattack to the other corner so well. Generally, he didn’t make easy mistakes, meaning he played like the No. 20 in the world. I really didn’t expect that. Kudos to him.
Of course, just being here with all the problems I had from Tokyo, I should be satisfied. You definitely feel a great bitterness. Just compared to Tokyo, the way this defeat came, I am certainly saddened, but I will sleep easier at night.
Meaning if I had gone 3-3, I turned it around and lost again at the end, by a point, I would live through nightmarish moments again. I truly believe he played better, and when an opponent plays better, you must acknowledge it, congratulate him.
I felt incredibly blessed to participate in these Olympic Games. That’s what I will take away.”
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