After defeating world No. 14 Nina Mittelham, Manika Batra became the first Indian woman to advance to the quarterfinals of a prestigious WTT event.
Manika Batra became the first Indian woman table tennis player to reach the quarterfinals of an elite WTT event after defeating world number 14 Nina Mittelham at the Grand Smash event. After upsetting world number two Wang Manyu in the second round, Batra continued her hot streak in Saudi Arabia with an 11-6 11-9 11-7 victory over her German adversary in just 22 minutes on Wednesday. It was Batra’s first win over Mittelham in four attempts, and she will now play another strong opponent, world number five Hina Hayata of Japan, on Thursday evening.
The Indian, who shocked the Japanese to earn a historic bronze in the Asia Cup back in 2022, will be rooting for herself to defeat Hayata.
“After defeating Wang Manyu tonight, I’m quite pleased of myself for playing my finest game. I had to maintain my composure for this match because that match was so crucial to me and I was delighted and excited,” the 28-year-old Batra said.
“This is where everything is going perfectly. I believe I adore this nation because of everything in my room, throughout my practice, and during my match! “I’m really grateful to everyone who came to support me and my practice partner for coaching me and my coach in India. This is my first time in the quarterfinals of a Smash tournament,” the woman continued.
After an amazing week here, Batra, who is presently rated 39, is expected to crack the top-25.
Batra surprised Wang of China on Monday by defeating Andreea Dragoman of Romania in the opening round, marking her maiden victory at a Grand Smash tournament.
