In a surprising turn of events at the WTT Champions Macao 2024, Indian table tennis star Manika Batra faced an early exit after losing to Japan’s Miyuu Kihara in the first round. This match, held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, marked Batra’s first international outing since the Paris Olympics.
Tough loss for Manika Batra in Macao
Manika Batra, ranked 28th in the world, was up against the formidable Miyuu Kihara. The match ended in straight sets, with Kihara winning 11-8, 11-5, 11-6. Despite a promising start, Batra couldn’t maintain her momentum, leading to a swift defeat.
The first set saw Batra taking an early lead, racing to a 6-2 advantage. However, Kihara quickly adapted, winning nine of the next eleven points to take the set 11-8. Batra’s initial dominance was overshadowed by Kihara’s resilience and tactical prowess.
In the second set, Kihara established her dominance early on. She took a two-point lead at 4-2 and never looked back, eventually winning the set 11-5. Batra struggled to find her rhythm, and Kihara’s aggressive play left little room for a comeback.
Miyuu’s got the moves ✨
She is through to the #WTTMacao Round of 16 with this decisive victory over Manika Batra 💥 #WTTChampions #TableTennis pic.twitter.com/9WUkdmJXH4
— World Table Tennis (@WTTGlobal) September 11, 2024
The third set was more evenly matched, with both players tied at 5-5 at one point. However, Kihara’s consistency and strategic play saw her clinch the set 11-6, sealing her victory. Batra’s efforts to mount a comeback were thwarted by Kihara’s relentless performance.
With Batra’s exit, the Indian challenge at the WTT Champions Macao 2024 came to an end. She was the only Indian competing in the tournament, and her early departure highlights the challenges faced by Indian paddlers on the international stage.
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