Table Tennis: With just two months remaining until the Paris Olympics, Manika Batra delivered a remarkable victory at the Saudi Smash in Jeddah on Monday. Defeating Chinese World No. 2 Wang Manyu 3-1 (6-11, 11-5, 11-7, 12-10) for the first time in her career, Batra ended a streak of five consecutive losses to her formidable opponent, including encounters at the World Championships and Asian Games.
This triumph adds to a string of impressive performances by Indian paddlers on the global stage, including notable victories at the Asian Games and various circuits. Additionally, the mixed doubles duo of Harmeet Desai and Yashaswini Ghorpade secured a significant upset by defeating fifth-seeded Alvaro Robles and Maria Xiao 11-5, 5-11, 3-11, 11-7, 11-7 to advance to the pre-quarters.
Batra’s victory holds particular significance given the timing, just ahead of the Olympics, sparking hopes for a medal. Coach Aman Balgu expressed optimism, highlighting the win’s significance in the lead-up to the Games. Former Olympian Neha Agarwal emphasized the message this victory sends, underscoring India’s strength in team events with players like Sreeja Akula, Manika Batra, and Ayhika Mukherjee securing notable wins. Agarwal also praised Batra’s composure in closing out the match, signifying a promising outlook for Indian table tennis on the international stage.
.@manikabatra_TT stuns the World No. 2️⃣ at @SaudiSmash ? ?
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) May 6, 2024
One of the ??????? victories of her career ?#SonySportsNetwork #SaudiSmash #TableTennis #ManikaBatra #WangManyu | @WTTGlobal pic.twitter.com/eK8ionjG88
The pressure reached an unbearable level during the fourth game, with Manika Batra initially leading 8-5 but then conceding five consecutive points, finding herself trailing 8-10. Despite her long tenure of 12-13 years on the circuit, she had often come close to securing such significant victories but had not managed to convert them. Yet, faced with another crucial moment, she maintained her composure.
At 11-10, Batra executed a technique she had diligently practiced since childhood, as described by Neha Agarwal. With a flick of her wrist, she twiddled her racket, seamlessly transitioning between backhand and forehand rubbers. This maneuver, ingrained in her muscle memory through years of consistent training, was summoned precisely when needed most, in the heat of the moment.
Neha Agarwal chuckled as she reflected on Manika Batra’s daring move during the crucial point at 11-10, recognizing the sheer audacity behind her decision to twiddle her racket and deliver a deceptive shot to catch Wang off guard. Despite Manika’s well-known tactic of quick grip switches followed by powerful hits, her addition of subtle placement in her blocked winner added an element of surprise, showcasing her ability to adapt and take calculated risks in high-pressure situations.
Coach Aman Balgu attributed Manika’s recent success against Asian opponents to her ability to maintain composure while also unleashing aggressive attacks when necessary. This combination of calm control and assertive play has proven effective in her matches.
Manika’s long pimple rubber, while a trademark of her game, can sometimes lose its effectiveness over five games as opponents become accustomed to her style. Neha Agarwal explained the gamble involved in twiddling against top Chinese players, emphasizing the do-or-die nature of the decision at 11-10.
Despite facing a slump in form after the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Manika persevered through coach changes and personal struggles to find stability in her game. With improvements in her forehand attack and strategic decision-making, she has regained her competitive edge.
Neha Agarwal praised Manika’s fearlessness and self-belief, highlighting her refusal to be intimidated by renowned opponents. She emphasized the importance of this attitude for Indian women’s table tennis, envisioning promising prospects for team events with players like Manika leading the charge.