Manika Batra Topped ‘Queen’ Of Desk Tennis As She Turns into First Indian To Attain Olympic Pre-Quarterfinals



Manika Batra made a major mark in Olympic historical past by turning into the primary Indian desk tennis participant to advance to the singles pre-quarterfinals. Her journey to this achievement was highlighted by a commanding 4-0 victory over Prithika Pavade, a proficient 19-year-old and the world quantity 18, on Monday.

At 29, Batra delivered a powerful efficiency with scores of 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, and 11-7. This victory was notably significant because it represented a notable enchancment from her earlier Olympic look in Tokyo, the place she had reached the spherical of 32. On this event, Batra’s mix of strategic perception and technical talent propelled her to a brand new degree of success.

Prithika Pavade, who was born in Paris to oldsters from Puducherry, entered the match with excessive expectations. Having competed within the Tokyo Olympics and made headlines together with her efficiency within the WTT ultimate earlier this 12 months, Pavade was a formidable opponent. Regardless of her sturdy credentials and up to date successes, she discovered herself outmatched by Batra’s tactical brilliance.

Batra’s sport plan concerned a strategic give attention to Pavade’s backhand—a transfer she tailored throughout the match and which turned out to be essential. The opening sport was a nail-biter, with each gamers combating laborious. At 8-8, Batra seized a possibility when Pavade made a backhand error, ending the sport with a robust forehand drive.

Batra’s momentum carried her into the second sport, the place she shortly constructed a 3-1 lead. Although Pavade managed to even the rating briefly, Batra’s relentless focusing on of Pavade’s backhand allowed her to drag forward and win the sport 11-6. By the third sport, Batra had gained a robust lead, and regardless of Pavade’s makes an attempt to return again, Batra took the sport 11-9, securing a 3-0 benefit.

Within the fourth sport, Batra’s dominance was clear as she established a 10-5 lead. With 5 match factors in her favor, she secured the win on the third try when Pavade made one other backhand error, concluding the match in simply 37 minutes.

Batra’s victory is greater than only a private milestone; it represents a serious second for Indian desk tennis, highlighting the game’s rising competitiveness and talent. Her efficiency not solely solidifies her place as a number one determine in Indian desk tennis but in addition units a brand new normal for future gamers.

SEE ALSO: Olympics 2024: Manu Bhaker Turns into First Indian Lady To Win Olympic Taking pictures Medal; Arjun Babuta Finishes Fourth



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