India’s table tennis spearhead, Manika Batra, produced a performance of composure, tactical clarity, and mental resilience to edge past China’s Qin Yuxuan in a gripping five-game encounter at the WTT Star Contender Doha 2026, booking her place in the Round of 32 of the women’s singles.
The Round of 64 clash, played late on January 15, stretched deep into the night and tested both players’ nerve, with Manika eventually prevailing 3–2 in a match that swung repeatedly in momentum. The final scoreline, 9–11, 13–11, 5–11, 11–7, and 11–8, only partially captures the tension and tactical depth of the contest. At multiple junctures, especially in the decisive fifth game, the match hung on a handful of points, with both players holding match points and repeatedly forcing service changes under pressure.
Manika began positively, matching Qin rally for rally in the opening game. However, the Chinese player edged the first game 11–9, using early initiative on Manika’s serve and pushing her back with depth and pace. The second game proved to be the first major turning point. Qin again surged ahead, but Manika responded with controlled aggression, using her trademark left-handed angles and variations in spin to claw back. Saving game points and forcing extended rallies, Manika closed out the second game 13–11, restoring parity and shifting the psychological balance.
The third game swung decisively in Qin Yuxuan’s favor. The Chinese paddler raised her tempo, attacked Manika’s returns more aggressively, and denied the Indian time to set up her forehand. Manika struggled to establish rhythm and conceded the game 5–11, finding herself one game away from elimination. At that stage, the contest appeared to be slipping away, especially given Qin’s growing confidence in longer exchanges.
What followed, however, underlined why Manika Batra remains India’s most dependable performer on the world stage. In the fourth game, with her back against the wall, Manika reset tactically. She slowed the pace, used her serves more creatively, and forced Qin into uncomfortable positions wide on the backhand. Despite Qin calling a timeout to arrest the momentum, Manika maintained control, winning the fourth game 11–7 to force a decider.
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The fifth and final game was a test of nerve and stamina. Qin started strongly, opening up an early lead and eventually holding match points at 10–6 and 10–7. Under immense pressure, Manika responded with remarkable calm. She mixed placement and spin intelligently, drew errors from Qin, and closed the gap point by point. Multiple service changes followed as both players traded points, with Manika repeatedly saving match points and turning defense into attack.
At 8–8, Manika seized the initiative decisively. A well-constructed rally forced an error from Qin, giving Manika her first match point. On the next exchange, she stayed patient, waited for the opening, and finished the point to seal the game 11–8, completing a dramatic comeback and clinching the match 3–2.
Beyond the scoreline, the win carried significant importance for India’s campaign in Doha. With other Indian paddlers exiting in the Round of 64 across both men’s and women’s singles, Manika emerged as the sole Indian representative advancing to the Round of 32. Her victory ensured Indian interest remained alive in the women’s draw at a high-quality Star Contender event featuring several higher-ranked and in-form players.
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Technically, the match highlighted Manika’s ability to adapt mid-match, adjusting serve patterns, varying rally length, and absorbing pressure when required. Mentally, it reinforced her reputation as a player capable of handling extended, high-stakes encounters against Chinese opposition, traditionally the toughest benchmark in world table tennis.
As Manika moves into the Round of 32, the challenge level will only increase. However, wins like this forged through resilience rather than dominance often become momentum builders in elite tournaments. For Indian table tennis, her Doha escape was more than just a result; it was a reminder of the value of experience, composure, and belief on the biggest stages.
