In a sensational breakthrough, Manush & Diya etched their names into Indian table tennis history by winning the WTT Contender Tunis 2025 Mixed Doubles title.
They became only the second Indian Mixed Doubles pair ever to lift a WTT Contender trophy, and this victory also marks India’s first international title of 2025!
The Indian duo stunned the world-ranked No. 8 Japanese pair Sora Matsushima and Miwa Harimoto with a thrilling 3-2 (11-9, 5-11, 14-12, 3-11, 11-6) win in a gripping final that lasted 37 minutes at the Salle Omnisport de Rades in Tunis.
Journey to the Title
Round of 16:
Manush and Diya faced a tough Chinese challenge against Sun Yang and Hu Yi. Showing impeccable chemistry and aggressive play, they stormed to a 3-0 victory (11-6, 11-5, 11-5) in just 18 minutes, making a strong statement early in the tournament.
Quarterfinal:
In an intense all-Indian clash, they were up against the experienced Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Sreeja Akula. After winning the first game comfortably, Manush and Diya had to dig deep to clinch a thrilling 3-2 win (11-6, 2-11, 18-16, 2-11, 11-4) after 35 minutes of topsy-turvy action.
Semifinal:
The Indian pair then took on the local favorites — Tunisia’s Wassim Essid and Egypt’s Hana Goda. Displaying maturity beyond their years, Manush and Diya controlled the match beautifully, sealing a comfortable 3-0 victory (11-8, 11-6, 11-7) in just 22 minutes to enter the final.
Final:
In the title clash against Japan’s Matsushima and Harimoto, it was a roller-coaster. After sharing the first four games, Manush and Diya kept their nerves in the decider to win 11-6, clinching the crown after a spirited 37-minute battle.
The Final in Detail
The match swung wildly:
- First Game: Manush and Diya made a confident start, taking it 11-9.
- Second Game: The Japanese pair responded aggressively, winning 11-5.
- Third Game: A crucial turning point — Manush and Diya edged it 14-12 in a nerve-wracking battle.
- Fourth Game: The Japanese stormed back to level the match with an 11-3 win.
- Fifth Game: Showing superb mental strength, the Indians dominated the decider 11-6 to lift the trophy!
A Historic Achievement for India
This triumph makes Manush Shah and Diya Chitale only the second Indian mixed doubles team to ever win a WTT Contender event, following in the footsteps of earlier trailblazers.
It also brings home India’s first international table tennis title of 2025, signaling a promising start to the season for the Indian contingent.
What Lies Ahead
With this career-defining win, Manush and Diya are expected to soar up the world rankings and establish themselves as a formidable force in international mixed doubles. Indian fans can now hope for even greater exploits in the months leading up to bigger events.
Manush Shah and Diya Chitale: Champions of WTT Contender Tunis 2025 — carrying the Indian flag high and proud on the world stage!
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