India’s table tennis star Manika Batra continued her strong run on the international circuit, battling past European Championships bronze medallist Maria Xiao of Spain in a five-game thriller to advance to the Round of 16 at the WTT Star Contender London 2025.
Manika, produced a spirited performance, edging out Xiao 3-2 (19-17, 8-11, 2-11, 11-8, 11-6) in a 47-minute contest that showcased her improved defensive structure and mental resilience under pressure. Her victory capped off a mixed day for the Indian contingent, as Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar also progressed to the Round of 16, while Sathiyan Gnanasekaran bowed out after a straight-games defeat to Japan’s rising star Sora Matsushima.
The match between Manika Batra and Maria Xiao was a tactical battle from start to finish — a clash between Batra’s deceptive long-pips defense and Xiao’s fast-paced counter-attack game. The opening game set the tone for the encounter, lasting nearly 15 minutes and stretching into a deuce marathon before Manika held her nerve to clinch it 19-17 after saving three game points.
Xiao, however, struck back immediately, exploiting Manika’s passive forehand openings to take the second and third games 11-8, 11-2. The Spaniard looked in complete control midway through the third game as she dictated rallies with early timing and deep placement, forcing Batra into errors from the backhand side.
But true to form, Manika rediscovered her rhythm in the fourth game. Mixing deep pushes with sudden forehand flicks, she broke Xiao’s rhythm to take the set 11-8, forcing a decider. The fifth game saw the Indian play with renewed confidence, serving aggressively and varying her pace brilliantly. Xiao, under pressure, made unforced errors in the final exchanges as Manika closed out the game 11-6, sealing one of her best wins of the season.
The result propels Manika into the Round of 16, where she is expected to face a seeded Asian opponent. Her performance against Xiao, especially her tactical shifts mid-match, highlights the progress she has made working under foreign coach Massimo Costantini, particularly in transition play and point construction.
Harmeet Desai’s Commanding Win Over Bae
In the men’s singles draw, Harmeet Desai cruised past Australia’s Hwan Bae in straight games (11-8, 13-11, 11-4) to book his place in the Round of 16. The experienced Indian paddler, known for his control-oriented forehand and solid blocking, maintained composure throughout the encounter, using his short serves effectively to prevent Bae from initiating long rallies. The second game proved to be the turning point, with Harmeet saving two game points to take it 13-11, effectively breaking his opponent’s momentum. He then dominated the third with clinical precision, wrapping up the match in just under 25 minutes. The win continues Harmeet’s steady form this season after a semifinal appearance at the WTT Feeder Antalya earlier in the year.
His consistency against mid-ranked international players has been a key factor in India’s rising presence on the WTT circuit. Youngster Manav Thakkar also impressed, defeating local wild card Connor Green 3-1 (11-5, 8-11, 11-7, 11-9) in front of a home-leaning crowd. Manav started confidently, taking the first game with crisp forehand winners, but momentarily lost rhythm in the second as Green’s aggressive returns caught him off guard. The 23-year-old Indian quickly regrouped, using his backhand blocks and counter-topspin to regain control and edge the third and fourth games.
The match, though not as intense as others, was an important learning experience for Manav, who continues to build his ranking through consistent WTT main draw appearances. His ability to handle high-pace exchanges and maintain composure in close finishes reflects the maturity he has gained on tour over the past year.
Sathiyan Falls to Japan’s Matsushima
India’s campaign, however, suffered a setback as Sathiyan Gnanasekaran went down 0-3 (7-11, 10-12, 9-11) to Sora Matsushima, the 5th seed and one of Japan’s fastest-rising young players. Sathiyan, played some fine rallies but was outpaced by Matsushima’s relentless tempo and precision off both wings. The Japanese teenager’s aggressive third-ball play and consistent depth kept Sathiyan on the back foot throughout.
Although Sathiyan fought hard in the second and third games, coming within two points of leveling the score, Matsushima’s consistency on serve-return exchanges made the difference. The loss means Sathiyan’s wait for a deep run in a WTT Star Contender event continues, but his performance against a top-20 player remains a positive indicator of form.
With three Indians advancing to the Round of 16, the WTT Star Contender London has already emerged as one of India’s stronger outings at this level. The blend of experience and youth Manika leading the women’s campaign and Harmeet and Manav progressing in the men’s reflects the healthy competition and depth currently shaping Indian table tennis. For Manika, this victory also adds momentum ahead of upcoming WTT events in Asia, where ranking points and consistency will be crucial heading into the 2026 World Championships qualification phase.
The London event, part of the elite WTT Star Contender series, offers valuable ranking points and exposure against the world’s top 50 players. As India’s trio looks ahead to tougher second-round matches, the confidence from Day 1’s performances sets a promising tone for what could be another breakthrough week for Indian table tennis.
Indian Results (R32 – WTT Star Contender London 2025):
Manika Batra (IND) def. Maria Xiao (ESP) 3-2 (19-17, 8-11, 2-11, 11-8, 11-6)
Harmeet Desai (IND) def. Hwan Bae (AUS) 3-0 (11-8, 13-11, 11-4)
Manav Thakkar (IND) def. Connor Green (GBR) 3-1 (11-5, 8-11, 11-7, 11-9)
Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (IND) lost to Sora Matsushima (JPN) 0-3 (7-11, 10-12, 9-11)
India’s campaign continues tomorrow with Manika, Harmeet, and Manav eyeing quarterfinal berths.
