Indian table tennis received a major boost in Beijing as 18-year-old Ankur Bhattacharjee scripted the biggest result of his young career, qualifying for the men’s singles main draw of the WTT China Smash 2025.
In a thrilling final-round qualifier, the teenager held his nerve to defeat China’s Zhou Kai 3–2, marking his first appearance in the main draw of a WTT Grand Smash one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Ankur’s victory over Zhou Kai was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Playing against a seasoned Chinese opponent in front of a partisan Beijing crowd, the Indian youngster produced a performance filled with resilience and tactical maturity. The match see-sawed dramatically before Ankur sealed the deciding game 13-11 to complete a 3–2 triumph with game scores of 12–14, 11–6, 9–11, 11–8, 13–11.
The opening game set the tone for a high-intensity contest. Ankur saved multiple game points but eventually went down 12–14, struggling to counter Zhou’s forehand-dominant attack. Showing remarkable composure, the Indian responded with a clinical 11–6 win in the second game, varying his serve placement and using quick backhand counters to disrupt Zhou’s rhythm.
The third game once again slipped narrowly away at 9–11, leaving Ankur on the brink of elimination. But he regrouped in the fourth, staying aggressive on the receive and forcing errors with his rapid side-spin flicks to take it 11–8. The decider was a showcase of courage: Zhou surged ahead 9–7, but Ankur clawed back with fearless rallies, eventually converting his second match point to silence the home crowd.
“I think my best match is this one. Very excited to play the main draw!” Ankur said after the match, his joy evident after prevailing in one of the biggest battles of his budding career. As mentioned to CGTN
The Road to the Main Draw
Ankur’s breakthrough win capped an impressive qualifying campaign where he recorded two other significant victories. He began by overcoming Hong Kong’s Lam Siu-hang in a tense five-game battle, coming from two games down to win 3–2 (8–11, 9–11, 11–9, 11–8, 11–6). The comeback set the tone for his gritty run in Beijing, showcasing his ability to adjust tactics mid-match and maintain belief under pressure. First, he faced Eugene Wang of Canada, a four-time Olympian and one of the most experienced players in the draw. Ankur dropped the opening game but quickly found his rhythm, taking the next three games 3–1 (9–11, 11–3, 11–7, 11–5) with a combination of sharp serves and fearless third-ball attacks.
By the time he faced Zhou Kai for a place in the main draw, the Indian teenager had already demonstrated the resilience and shot-making to compete with seasoned international players. His ability to raise his level in crucial moments underscored a maturity beyond his years.
For followers of Indian table tennis, Ankur’s name has been on the radar for some time. The Kolkata-born paddler has enjoyed success on the youth circuit, including a silver medal at the WTT Europe Youth Smash, and has steadily climbed the national rankings with consistent domestic performances. Known for his quick backhand counters and fearless approach to attacking rallies, he represents the new wave of Indian players unafraid to challenge the sport’s traditional powerhouses.
“I played in China and won two matches. I’m very happy and I played really well,” Ankur said, soaking in the moment of qualifying in a country considered the spiritual home of table tennis. For an Indian player to not only compete but triumph in China where the sport enjoys near-religious following is a significant confidence booster.
Indian Table Tennis on the Global Stage
Ankur joins Manav Thakkar in the main draw, giving India two representatives in the men’s singles of the China Smash. This is particularly encouraging as the tournament is part of the WTT Grand Smash series, which offers the highest ranking points and attracts the world’s top players, including Olympic and World Championship medallists. Indian table tennis has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, with stars like Sharath Kamal, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, and Manika Batra achieving historic results at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships. Ankur’s emergence signals that the next generation is ready to carry the baton forward, ensuring sustained Indian presence at major international events.
Qualifying for the main draw is both a milestone and a new challenge for Ankur. He will now face some of the sport’s elite, where every match demands precision, physical fitness, and mental fortitude. Regardless of the outcome, the experience of competing against top-ranked players in a Grand Smash environment will accelerate his development and prepare him for future World Tour events. For Indian fans, Ankur’s success is a reminder of the sport’s growing depth at the grassroots level. With increased exposure, international training opportunities, and a fearless mindset, young players like Ankur Bhattacharjee are proving that India can produce contenders capable of making their mark even in table tennis’ most competitive arenas.
As he steps into the main draw of the China Smash 2025, Ankur carries not just his own ambitions but the hopes of a nation eager to see its next table tennis star shine on the world stage. Whether he advances further or not, his run in Beijing has already made history and set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling career ahead.
