Indian table tennis witnessed a defining moment on Thursday night in Doha as Manav Thakkar produced a performance of grit, composure, and tactical clarity to defeat France’s Simon Gauzy at the WTT Champions event.
Ranked World No.34, Thakkar came from behind to knock out the World No. 17 Frenchman in a pulsating five-game encounter, winning 11-8, 7-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-8 to move into the Round of 16. The result is significant not just because of the ranking gap, but also because of the stage. WTT Champions tournaments sit among the most elite events on the global table tennis calendar, featuring only the world’s top players. Thakkar entered the event as India’s lone representative in the men’s singles draw, carrying the weight of expectations and national hopes into the Lusail Sports Arena Infinity Arena.
From the outset, the match had the feel of a high-stakes chess battle played at breakneck speed. Gauzy, known across the circuit as the “French magician” for his creativity and flair, started with intent, probing Thakkar’s backhand and varying pace smartly. The Indian, however, looked unfazed. He stayed close to the table, used his quick footwork to counter Gauzy’s spin-heavy forehand, and took the opening game 11-8 with controlled aggression.
The momentum shifted in the middle phase of the contest. Gauzy raised his intensity in the second and third games, tightening his serves and forcing Thakkar into longer rallies. The Frenchman’s experience began to show as he edged the second game 11-7 and then claimed the third 11-9, moving ahead 2-1. At that point, the match seemed to be slipping away from the Indian, who was now facing a seasoned top-20 opponent brimming with confidence.
What followed, however, underlined why Manav Thakkar has steadily risen to become India’s No.1 singles player. In the fourth game, he made subtle but decisive adjustments. His receive game improved, he took the ball earlier, and most importantly, he refused to be drawn into Gauzy’s rhythm. Thakkar built a steady lead, called for a well-timed timeout to reset after a brief Gauzy surge, and closed out the game 11-7 to force a decider.
The fifth and final game was table tennis at its most dramatic. Gauzy initially held the edge, leading 6-5 as both players traded rapid-fire rallies and delicate touch shots. With the pressure mounting, Thakkar produced his best stretch of the match. From 6-8 down, he reeled off a remarkable sequence of points, showing nerves of steel and exceptional shot selection. His backhand counters repeatedly caught Gauzy out of position, while his serve variation limited the Frenchman’s attacking options.
At 10-8, Thakkar earned match point. One final composed rally later, the Indian sealed the game 11-8 and with it, a memorable 3-2 victory. The raw emotion on his face said everything: this was not just another win, but a statement.
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Beyond the scoreline, the significance of this result lies in what it represents for Indian table tennis. Beating a player of Gauzy’s caliber on a Champions stage reinforces Thakkar’s growing belief that he belongs among the elite. Over the last two seasons, he has shown steady progress on the WTT circuit, but this win marks a clear breakthrough moment, a victory that can reshape confidence and perception.
For Indian fans, the result offers renewed optimism. With Achanta Sharath Kamal nearing the twilight of his illustrious career and the next generation seeking consistency at the highest level, Thakkar’s Doha performance stands out as a glimpse into the future. His calm temperament under pressure, tactical maturity, and ability to adapt mid-match were all on display against one of Europe’s finest players.
As the lone Indian left in the men’s singles draw, Thakkar now moves into the Round of 16 with momentum firmly on his side. The challenge will only get tougher from here, but if Doha has shown anything, it is that Manav Thakkar is no longer just competing he is capable of beating the very best on the biggest stages.
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For Indian table tennis, this was more than an upset. It was a reminder that belief, preparation, and composure can bridge ranking gaps, and that the next chapter of the sport is being written point by point, rally by rally, by players like Manav Thakkar.
