Foz do Iguacu, Brazil – Indian table tennis players delivered a strong performance at the WTT Star Contender Foz do Iguacu on Sunday, with Manush Shah featuring in two finals, though ultimately finishing as runner-up in both. His mixed doubles partnership with Diya Chitale marked a historic first for India at this level of competition, while his men’s doubles pairing with Manav Thakkar also reached the summit clash, underscoring India’s growing presence on the international table tennis circuit.
Mixed Doubles Heartbreak in a Historic Final
The top-seeded Indian pair of Manush Shah and Diya Chitale put up a valiant fight in the mixed doubles final but ultimately fell short, losing 2-3 (4-11, 11-8, 11-5, 5-11, 2-11) to Japanese qualifiers Satoshi Aida and Honoka Hashimoto. Despite the loss, their journey to the final was a landmark achievement for Indian table tennis, marking the first time an Indian mixed doubles pair has reached a WTT Star Contender final.
This was the second final appearance of the season for the dynamic Indian duo, who had previously clinched the title at a WTT Contender event in Tunis earlier this year, showcasing their consistent growth and potential on the global stage.
Men’s Doubles Silver for Shah and Thakkar
Adding to his impressive run in Brazil, Manush Shah also finished as runner-up in the men’s doubles event, partnering with Manav Thakkar. The Indian pair engaged in a thrilling 42-minute battle against the formidable second seeds, Benedikt Duda and Dang Qiu of Germany, before succumbing 2-3 (3-11, 11-7, 7-11, 15-13, 5-11). The match was a testament to their resilience, particularly in the fourth game where they saved multiple match points to push the contest to a decider.
Batra’s Campaign Ends in Quarterfinals
Earlier in the tournament, seasoned Indian paddler Manika Batra saw her singles campaign conclude in the quarterfinals. Batra faced mixed doubles winner Honoka Hashimoto in her last-eight clash, where she lost 0-3 (7-11, 6-11, 7-11) in a match that lasted 28 minutes. Prior to this, the Indian had secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over South Korea’s Kim Nayeong to advance to the quarterfinals.
Despite not converting their final appearances into titles, the performances by Shah, Chitale, and Thakkar, coupled with Batra’s strong showing, highlight a promising trajectory for Indian table tennis as they continue to challenge the world’s best.
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