India’s Manav Thakkar produced one of the finest performances of his career on Monday, shocking Japan’s Hiroto Shinozuka in the Men’s Singles Round of 64 at the WTT Europe Smash 2025 in Malmö, Sweden.
The World No. 43 and India’s top-ranked men’s player battled past the World No. 23 with a confident 3-1 (12-10, 11-5, 5-11, 11-9) victory to enter the last 32 of the tournament. This was more than just an upset it was a statement. Shinozuka, a Men’s Doubles World Champion and a multiple-time Asian Championships medallist, came into the tie as the clear favorite. Thakkar, however, showed remarkable composure, tactical clarity, and resilience to overturn the head-to-head record that previously stood at 0-3 in favor of the Japanese star. With the win, the Indian narrowed the gap to 1-3 and proved that he can compete with the world’s very best.
A Match of Nerves and Execution
The opening game set the tone for the encounter. Both players traded heavy forehands and engaged in long rallies, refusing to concede ground. Shinozuka looked sharp early on, but Thakkar kept himself in the contest by mixing aggression with steady control. At 10-10, the game hung in the balance, but it was Thakkar who held his nerve. Delivering two well-placed forehand winners, he snatched the opener 12-10, giving himself an invaluable early cushion. Riding on the momentum, Thakkar shifted gears in the second game. He dominated with quick serves, sharp third-ball attacks, and precision placements that forced Shinozuka into errors.
The Japanese appeared rattled as Thakkar dictated the pace, racing to a comfortable 11-5 win. At 2-0 up, the Indian was suddenly staring at one of the biggest victories of his career. But as expected of a top-25 player, Shinozuka refused to fade away. The third game saw him reassert control, varying his pace and stretching rallies to frustrate Thakkar. The Indian, who had been decisive in the first two games, faltered slightly under the Japanese’s renewed aggression.
Shinozuka capitalized and closed the game 11-5, pulling the match back to 1-2. With momentum shifting, the tie was set for a tense finish. The fourth game brought the best out of both players. Every rally was fiercely contested, with neither willing to give an inch. Shinozuka attempted to drag the match into a decider, while Thakkar sought to seal it then and there. At 9-9, the pressure was immense. But Thakkar’s calmness under fire shone through. Using his serve effectively and taking the initiative in rallies, he captured the final two points to clinch the game 11-9 and with it, the match.
Breaking Through on the Big Stage
This victory is significant in several ways. Shinozuka is a proven player on the world circuit, with pedigree at the Asian level and success in doubles on the world stage. For Thakkar, defeating such an opponent represents a psychological breakthrough.
In past seasons, Thakkar has shown glimpses of his potential but struggled to consistently beat higher-ranked players. This match highlighted his improved ability to handle crunch moments. Saving key points in the first game and then holding his composure at 9-9 in the fourth illustrated a maturity that has often been missing in his game. The tactical sharpness was also commendable. Thakkar varied his serves, used sharp angles effectively, and was proactive in countering Shinozuka’s forehand dominance. His ability to maintain composure even after dropping the third game was another sign of growth.
Thakkar’s journey at Europe Smash is far from over. In the Round of 32, he will face either An Jaehyun of South Korea. An, a World Championships bronze medallist, is known for his tenacity and defensive grit. Thakkar will need to reproduce the same intensity and precision he displayed against Shinozuka.
Beyond singles, Thakkar is also entered in the doubles event, where he pairs with fellow Indian Manush Shah. The duo is seeded fifth in men’s doubles and carries expectations of a deep run. Their synergy and recent form make them one of the more formidable pairs in the draw. Success in both singles and doubles could make this tournament a career-defining one for the Surat-born paddler.
Indian Table Tennis on the Rise
Thakkar’s win also reflects the broader upward trajectory of Indian table tennis. Over the past decade, Indian players like Sharath Kamal, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, and Manika Batra have made significant inroads internationally, consistently challenging higher-ranked opponents. Thakkar, at just 24, represents the next generation looking to take Indian table tennis into uncharted territory. For a long time, the narrative around Indian paddlers has centered on occasional upsets without sustained consistency.
Performances like Thakkar’s in Malmö are vital in changing that perception. They demonstrate that Indian players are not just capable of surprises but are ready to establish themselves as regular threats in major international competitions. Manav Thakkar’s victory over Hiroto Shinozuka at WTT Europe Smash 2025 was not just another upset it was a showcase of grit, skill, and growing belief. By defeating a top-25 player and a decorated opponent, Thakkar has sent out a strong message: he belongs at the highest level.
As he prepares for his next challenge in the Round of 32, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and continuing to build his reputation on the global stage. For Indian table tennis, this result is another sign of the sport’s steady rise and a reminder that the country’s next generation is ready to carry the torch forward.
