With just Manika Batra emerging victorious from her opening-round singles match on Saturday, Indian paddlers had a difficult day at the Saudi Smash 2024 table tennis tournament. The Indian competitors in the first round of the men’s and women’s singles were Achanta Sharath Kamal, Sreeja Akula, and Manika Batra. Among them, only Manika was able to emerge victorious.
Batra prevails
In the round of 64, Manika defeated Romania’s Andrea Dragoman in straight games. Manika had a strong start to the first game, winning 11–6 to take the lead 1-0. In game two, Manika’s experience helped her win the second game as Dragoman had other ideas and fought back to make it 11–11. Manika prevailed in the match by controlling the third game and winning it 11–8.
Akula, Sharath Kamal disappoint
In her opening round match, Sreeja Akula suffered a 1-3 loss to a lower-ranked Jieni Shao of Portugal after giving up the lead twice in two games.
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Achanta Sharath Kamal suffered a devastating defeat to Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna earlier in the day. Sharath lost the match 2-3 even though he had an early advantage 2-0.
Harmeet, Yashaswini win thriller
In the mixed doubles category, Harmeet Desai and Yashaswini Ghorpade defeated Paulina Vega and Nicolas Burgos in a nail-biting encounter that stretched to 5 sets. The Indian duo ultimately prevailed 11-7, 9-11, 11-4, 4-11, 11-5.
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