India enter men’s and women’s team finals at Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships
India advanced to both the men's and women's team finals of the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships after defeating England in their respective semifinals. The hosts will face Malaysia in both title clashes at the Thyagaraj Stadium
New Delhi: India stormed into both the men’s and women’s team finals of the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships after defeating England in their respective semifinals at the Thyagaraj Stadium here on Wednesday.
The top-seeded Indian men’s team extended its unbeaten run with a commanding 3-0 victory in a one-sided contest.
Manush Shah set the tone with a composed 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 win over Connor Green before World No. 38 Manav Thakkar, competing despite 13 stitches above his left eye, produced another clinical performance to outclass Joseph Hunter 11-8, 11-4, 11-5.
Veteran Harmeet Desai then wrapped up the tie in emphatic fashion, overpowering Benjamin Piggott 11-5, 11-5, 11-5 to send India into the title clash without conceding a single match throughout the competition.
The Indian women’s team faced a tougher challenge before overcoming England 3-1.
Commonwealth Games medallist Sreeja Akula gave India the perfect start with a convincing 11-6, 11-3, 11-9 victory over Cheuk Lam Jasmin Wong.
England drew level after Tin-Tin Ho defeated Yashaswini Ghorpade 11-9, 11-6, 11-7.
Syndrela Das restored India’s lead by defeating Anna Green 11-7, 11-4, 11-9, leaving the hosts one win away from the final.
Sreeja then sealed the tie in a gripping fourth rubber, edging Tin-Tin Ho in a five-game thriller. She prevailed 11-8, 5-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9 to book India’s place in the championship match.
India will now take on Malaysia in both the men’s and women’s team finals after the Southeast Asian nation also emerged victorious in the semifinals. Malaysia’s women edged Australia 3-2, while the men’s team also advanced to the final.
Earlier in the day, top seeds Singapore suffered a surprise exit in the second stage of the women’s competition after finishing behind England in their group.
