ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships: Ayhika Mukherjee stuns World No. 1, Indian women go down fighting against China

Sreeja Akula also won over World No. 2 paddler.

The Indian women’s table tennis team faced off against top-seeded China in their inaugural group 1 match at the World Team Table Tennis Championships 2024 in Busan. Despite putting up a valiant fight, the Indian team succumbed to a 2-3 defeat against their formidable opponents.

The match kicked off with an electrifying performance from Ayhika Mukherjee, who stunned the table tennis world by securing a remarkable victory over the reigning World No. 1, Sun Yingsha. Mukhjeree’s strategic play and confident attacks propelled her to a sensational 12-10, 2-11, 13-11, and 11-6 win, giving India an early lead and setting the stage for an intense showdown.

Despite Ayhika Mukherjee and Sreeja Akula's historic wins against World No.1 & 2, 🇮🇳 Indian women's team go down to 🇨🇳 China 2-3 in their opening Group 1 tie!! 🏓#TableTennis #ITTFWorlds2024 pic.twitter.com/FN8maDs8QT

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) February 16, 2024

Following Mukherjee’s inspiring performance, Manika Batra, India’s highest-ranked player, faced off against Wang Manyu, the World No. 4. Despite putting up a spirited effort, Batra fell short, conceding the match in four games.

Undeterred by the setback, Sreeja Akula rose to the occasion and delivered a stellar performance against Wang Yidi, the World No. 2. With unwavering determination, Akula claimed victory in straight games, showcasing her attacking prowess and defensive skills to secure a crucial point for India.

However, China swiftly bounced back as Sun Yingsha overcame Batra in the fourth rubber, leveling the score at 2-2. The pressure intensified as the fate of the match rested on the fifth and final tie, where Ayhika Mukherjee faced off against Wang Manyu. Despite a spirited effort, Mukherjee ultimately succumbed to the formidable Chinese opponent in three straight games, sealing India’s narrow defeat.

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Indian 2-3 China results summary

Ayhika Mukherjee beat Sun Yingsha 12-10, 2-11, 13-11, 11-6

Manika Batra lost to Wang Manyu 3-11, 8-11, 15-13, 7-11

Sreeja Akula beat Wang Yidi 11-7, 11-9, 13-11

Manika lost to Yingsha 3-11, 6-11, 13-11, 9-11

Ayhika lost to Manyu 9-11, 11-13, 6-11

India’s next match

Despite the loss, the Indian women’s team exhibited remarkable resilience and skill, earning praise for their exceptional performance against the top-seeded Chinese team. With their heads held high, the Indian contingent now sets their sights on their upcoming clash against Hungary in their second match on Sunday, eager to bounce back and make their mark on the global stage.

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