India’s remarkable run of securing three consecutive men’s team medals at the Asian Table Tennis Championships concluded today. A young Indian team, captained by Manav Thakkar, was defeated 0-3 by a seasoned Hong Kong (China) side in the quarterfinals held at the Kalinga Indoor Stadium.
For two of the three Indian players, this was their debut in a team championship, and despite enthusiastic support from the home crowd, they found Hong Kong’s experienced players to be exceptionally sharp and strategically disciplined. While Hong Kong advanced to claim a much-coveted medal, India will now compete in the playoffs for fifth to eighth place.
The competition began with national champion Manush Shah facing veteran Wong Chun Ting. Wong’s precision and powerful shots proved too much for Shah, as the Indian southpaw struggled to control the rallies due to Wong’s impeccable placement on both sides of the table.
Following this, Captain Manav Thakkar stepped up to play against his familiar left-handed opponent, Chan Baldwin. Their match was a thrilling, full-distance battle. Manav displayed aggressive intent, creating many stunning rallies, but costly unforced errors at critical moments, particularly on his third-ball forehand topspins, ultimately led to his defeat.
Young Ankur Bhattacharjee, who had previously defeated Lam Siu Hang at the China Smash last month, started his match strongly, winning the first game and building a commanding 9-5 lead in the second. However, once Lam found his rhythm, the Hong Kong paddler executed a swift comeback, winning six consecutive points to seize control.
Ankur’s inability to capitalize and close out the third game proved to be a turning point. Lam’s relentless forehand attacks ultimately sealed Hong Kong’s spot in the semifinals.
Attention now turns to the women’s team, who are set to commence their campaign late on Monday evening. Their quarterfinal opponent will be determined earlier in the day.
Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
- Hong Kong (China) bt India 3-0
- Wong Chun Ting bt Manush Shah: 11-5, 11-9, 13-11
- Chan Baldwin bt Manav Thakkar: 11-8, 11-8, 10-12, 9-11, 11-8
- Lam Siu Hang bt Ankur Bhattacharjee: 7-11, 11-9, 12-14, 11-6, 11-7
- Japan bt Korea 3-1
- Tomokazu Harimoto bt An Jaehyun: 11-9, 13-11, 11-7
- Sora Matsushima bt Cho Daeseong: 14-12, 10-12, 4-11, 11-8, 11-4
- Shunsuke Togami lost to Oh Junsung: 7-11, 5-11, 8-11
- Harimoto bt An: 11-5, 11-9, 11-6