Manika Batra beats world No. 14 to reach quarterfinals at WTT Grand Smash event table tennis news

Manika Batra has become the first Indian female table tennis player to enter the quarter-finals of an elite WTT event after her victory over world number 14 Nina Mittelham in the Grand Smash event. After defeating world number two Wang Manyu in the second round, Batra continued her red hot form in Saudi Arabia with a 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 win over her German opponent in just 22 minutes on Wednesday. Extended. This was Batra’s first win over Mittelham in four attempts and now she will face another strong opponent in world number five Hina Hayata of Japan on Thursday evening. The Indian will be backing herself to overtake Hayata as she upset the Japanese by winning a historic bronze medal at the Asia Cup in 2022.

28- said, “I am really proud of myself that I played my best game today after beating Wang Manyu. That match was really important for me and I was happy and excited so I felt good about this match.” Had to keep myself calm.” Year old Batra.

“Everything is going well here. Everything in my room, in my practice sessions, in my matches; so I feel like I love this country! It’s my first quarterfinal in Smash so I’m really enjoying all of that.” I am grateful to the coaches who were there to cheer and my practice partners for training me and my coach in India,” she said.

Batra, who is currently ranked 39th, is set to break into the top-25 after a memorable week here.

Batra had stunned China’s Wang by defeating Romania’s Andrea Dragoman in the first round on Monday, her first win at a Grand Smash event.