Manika Batra out of singles competition in World Table Tennis Championships

NEW DELHI, May 24
Indian table tennis star Manika Batra showcased her fighting spirit in a closely contested match against Adriana Diaz of Puerto Rico at the World Table Tennis Championships. Despite a valiant effort, Batra narrowly lost 3-4 (6-11, 12-10, 11-9, 6-11, 13-11, 9-11, 11-3) in the round of 32, securing the best result for India in the singles competition.
Ranked 39th in the world, Batra got off to a strong start, claiming the first game against the 13th-ranked Diaz. However, Diaz quickly gained momentum, and the match remained evenly poised until the sixth game, with both players tied at 3-3. In a gripping final game, Diaz managed to surge ahead, ultimately securing victory and a place in the last 16.
Although disappointed with the outcome, Manika Batra's performance demonstrated her resilience and determination on the international stage.
In other matches scheduled for the day, Achanta Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran are set to compete in the men's doubles round of 16 against the English pair of Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford. The Indian duo had previously defeated the same English team, securing a gold medal in last year's Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Furthermore, Manika Batra will team up with Archana Kamath for the women's doubles round of 16, facing Japan's Hina Hayata and Mima Ito. The Indian pair will be looking to advance further in the tournament with their combined skills and strategy.
As the World Table Tennis Championships progresses, the Indian contingent remains determined to leave a mark on the international stage, showcasing their talent and competing against the world's best players.
        PTI