Manika Batra dream run ends in quarters, but future looks bright

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra’s impressive run at the Saudi Smash 2024 came to an end in the quarter-finals after a hard-fought battle against the higher-ranked Hina Hayata of Japan.

Saudi Smash: Hina Hayata ends Manika Batra run

Manika Batra, currently ranked 39th in the world, had been on a roll throughout the tournament, defeating players positioned significantly above her.

However, world number five Hayata proved too strong on the day, ultimately defeating Batra 4-1 (11-7, 6-11, 11-13, 2-11). Despite a strong start with a first-game win, Batra was unable to maintain momentum as Hayata found her rhythm and dominated the following games.

Manika Batra stellar performance

Despite the quarter-final defeat, Manika Batra’s performance at the Saudi Smash was nothing short of impressive. She began by upsetting world number two Wang Manyu of China in the second round, a victory she described as the “biggest achievement” of her career.

Her winning streak continued with a straight-sets triumph over world number 14 Nina Mittelham of Germany. This marked Batra’s first victory over Mittelham in four attempts.

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Ranking Boost and Bright Prospects

Manika Batra’s strong showing at the Saudi Smash is expected to translate into a significant rise in her world ranking. She is projected to break into the top 25 of the women’s singles rankings, a positive development for her future endeavors.

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