Chengdu (China), Oct 3 (UNI) The Indian women's table tennis team progressed to the round of 16 after beating Egypt 3-1 at the ITTF World Team Championships Finals 2022 in on Monday.
The Indian women’s table tennis team finished second in Group 5 with five points, behind Germany with six, and ensured passage through to the round of 16.
The men's team defeated Kazakhstan in their third tie and will have to wait to see but currently stands on top of Group 2 with six points.
National champion Sreeja Akula began the tie with a dominating 3-0 (11-6, 11-4, 11-1) win over Hana Goda.
Former CWG champion Manika Batra then faced a tough challenge from Dina Meshref but overcame it with a 3-2 (8-11, 11-6, 11-7, 2-11, 11-8) victory.
Diya Chitale, however, suffered 3-2 (11-5, 10-12, 11-9, 9-11, 4-11) loss at the hands of Yousra Helmy but Sreeja wrapped up the tie with a 3-1 (11-8, 11-8, 9-11, 11-6) win over Dina Meshref.
On the other hand, the men’s team has virtually assured a berth in the round of 16 after a 3-2 win over Kazakhstan.
Continuing his fine form CWG bronze-medallist Sathiyan Gnanasekaran beat Denis Zholudev 3-0 (11-1, 11-9, 11-5) in the first match.
Kirill Gerassimenko brought Kazakhstan back with a 3-0 (11-6, 11-8, 11-9) win over Harmeet Desai.
Manav Thakkar gave India 2-1 lead with a 3-0 (12-10, 11-1, 11-8) victory over Alan Kurmangaliyev before Gerassimenko forced a decider after overcoming Sathiyan 3-2 (6-11, 11-5, 12-14, 11-9, 11-6).
Harmeet then ensured that the tie went in India’s favour with a comfortable 3-0 (12-10, 11-9, 11-6) win over Zholudev.
The unbeaten Indian men’s table tennis team sits top of Group 2 with six points in three ties and will face France in their final group tie on Tuesday.
If they win, India men will be guaranteed a spot in the round of 16. Even if they lose, India will end with seven points on the board, and they will go through to the knockouts as one of the best-placed third teams.
UNI BAV