Sharath wins TT Nationals for 8th time, equals Mehta's record

The win was worth Rs 2 lakh, but what Sharath would have cherished more on the evening was the warm hug that he received from the man, who held the record for so many years watching him perform from close quarters.

As the last point was won, Kamlesh stood and applauded the modern icon's efforts and without wasting time crossed the surrounds to applaud the Chennai man as photographers captured the rare moment.

"It's a proud moment for me personally, Sharath deserves all the accolades," said Mehta.

But Sharah was equally humble when he said: "What he (Kamlesh) did was more praiseworthy because I am two levels above the current lot of players. But Kamlesh had to fight with players of same calibre to accomplish the honour." Whatever be the case, Sharath was simply fantastic. He did lose his first game but hit the groove once he found his touch and timing. There were flashes of some genius in some of the down-the-line shots and placements and, however hard Amalraj tried, he could not deny the champion his place under the sun.