Manika Batra emotional after stunning World No. 2 Wang Manyu: 'Still shivering'

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Table Tennis: India's star paddler Manika Batra stunned World No. 2 and former world champion Wang Manyu of China to clinch one of the biggest victories of her singles career. Manika achieved the milestone in the second round of Saudi Smash in Jeddah on Monday.

Manika Batra stunned World No. 2 Wang Manyu of China in Jeddah on May 6 (PTI File Photo)

New Delhi,UPDATED: May 6, 2024 21:10 IST

India's table tennis star Manika Bartra secured one of the biggest victories of her singles career on Monday, May 6. The World No. 39 stunned No. 2 Wang Manyu of China in the women's singles Round of 32 at the Saudi Smash table tennis tournament. Batra's victory came in a hard-fought 3-1 match that lasted 37 minutes.

Manika Batra fought back from being in the 4th game as she was down 8-10. The Indian star showcased nerves of steel as she saved two game points before sealing the match 6-11, 11-5, 11-7, 12-10. Batra, who recently lost the status of the top-ranked Indian women's singles paddler to Sreeja Akula, called her win over World No. 2 Wang Manyu the biggest of her singles career.

Manika Batra let out a roar and punched the air in delight as she celebrated her win after flaunting her defensive skills in the decisive point against the former world champion. The star paddler embraced her coach, who was watching his ward script a famous win from the sidelines.

Manika needed a couple of seconds to gather her thoughts as she was trying to control her happy tears while burying her face in a towel after the memorable win.

"I am still shivering, I am really happy for this. Beating Chinese players is a great thing for me and World No. 2. I think it will take time to digest. Of course, I have to prepare for my next match. I am very happy," Manika said after the win on Monday.

"I had been losing against her for the last two times. This time, I thought of playing my best game and going all out. I was just enjoying every point. Last game, I was 8-10 down and then I won from there. I loved my fighting spirit," she added.

Manika Batra will face World No. 14 Nina Mittelham of Germany in the Round of 16 at Saudi Smash.

Published By:

Akshay Ramesh

Published On:

May 6, 2024