India’s table tennis sensation Manika Batra continued her impressive run at the WTT Champions, dismantling American opponent Lily Zhang in a commanding 3-0 victory on Wednesday. This decisive win propelled Manika into the women’s singles pre-quarterfinals, etching her name in history as the first-ever Indian to achieve this milestone in the tournament.
The match was a testament to Manika’s unwavering focus and skillful execution. She dominated the court, showcasing her signature precision and consistency, and completed the match in a swift 22 minutes. The scores of 11-4, 11-8, and 12-10 reflect Manika’s unwavering control throughout the encounter.
Despite a valiant effort from the four-time Olympian Zhang, who also reached the pre-quarterfinals in the Paris Olympics, Manika’s superior game proved too much to overcome. Zhang, known for her tenacious spirit, attempted a comeback in the third set, but Manika’s resolve and strategic play ultimately sealed her victory.
The statistics speak volumes about Manika’s dominance. She accumulated a total of 34 points compared to Zhang’s 22, and notably, she excelled on her opponent’s serve, earning a remarkable 14 points off Zhang’s serves.
Manika’s next challenge will be against the winner of the match between eighth-seeded Romanian Bernadette Szocs and Orawan Paranang of Thailand. Meanwhile, Sreeja Akula, India’s second representative in the main draw, will face off against Pan American champion Adriana Diaz of Puerto Rico later in the day.
This triumph is another feather in the cap for Manika Batra, who continues to raise the bar for Indian table tennis on the global stage. Her unwavering determination and exceptional skillset make her a formidable contender for the title, and her journey in the WTT Champions is a captivating one to follow.