GAMES: TZ banks on cyclists for medals

Dar es Salaam. With boxers, swimmers, runners and judokas out of the Glasgow 2014, Tanzanians’ hopes for psychological reprieve now rest on the shoulders of the national cycling team.

Tanzania will field four athletes in the cycling event of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland on Thursday.

The cyclists include Emmanuel Molley and Richard Laizer.

Meanwhile, Nigeria pulled off a minor surprise by beating India 3-1 to claim the bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games men’s team table tennis yesterday.

There were wild scenes after Ojo Onaolapo, ranked 488th in the world, beat Kamal Achanta, who is ranked 50th, to seal a noteworthy triumph four years after India had won 3-0 at the same stage.

Onaolapo was lifted into the air by his team-mates following his 11-9, 3-11, 11-7, 11-5 victory.

“We wanted to win a medal but nobody expected us to,” he said.

“I’m excited, I’m happy to win. In table tennis if you have a lot of the domination you can beat anybody.

“There will be a lot of celebration for Nigeria, a lot of drinks, dancing and food. Everyone will be very pleased for me.”

Achanta had got India off to the perfect start with a 11-9, 11-5, 11-7 win over Segun Toriola in just 22 minutes.

But Nigeria came back with Quadri Aruna beating Harmeet Rajul Desai 11-7, 11-8, 9-11, 11-5 to level at 1-1.

A dramatic five game doubles match proved to be crucial though as Onaolapo and Toriola won 3-11, 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9 against Desai and Anthony Arputh after trailing by a game and 9-5.

For Toriola, Nigeria’s success had an added significance as it was his sixth Commonwealth Games medal in a prosperous career.

“I’m so happy because it’s my last Commonwealth Games before I retire. I felt so sad and worried after the first match,” he said.

If I won it, it would have been a great start and I would have been more relaxed. I just tried to keep myself relaxed for the doubles.