India’s young mixed doubles duo Manush Shah and Diya Chitale produced a spirited display before bowing out in the Round of 16 at the WTT Star Contender London 2025, losing 2–3 (9–11, 11–9, 11–7, 6–11, 7–11) to the formidable cross-national pair of Yukiya Uda (Japan) and Shin Yubin (Korea) in a high-quality contest that showcased the evolving strength of Indian table tennis.
The Indo-Japanese-Korean clash was one of the standout encounters of the day at the Copper Box Arena, as both pairs exchanged fierce rallies, tactical serving, and exceptional composure under pressure. Though Shah and Chitale eventually fell just short, their performance reinforced the growing potential of India’s young generation on the world stage.
The opening game was a cagey affair, with both pairs testing each other’s returns and movement. Uda and Shin, both experienced singles players with a flair for precision and spin variation, drew first blood by taking the opener 11–9 after saving two game points. The Indian pair looked composed early, with Diya’s sharp reflexes at the net and Manush’s controlled forehand placement keeping them in the rallies. Undeterred by the narrow loss, Shah and Chitale responded brilliantly in the second game.
They found their rhythm on serve and return, with Manush stepping up the aggression and Diya countering Shin’s forehand loops with deft blocks and angles. The Indians held a slender lead through most of the game before sealing it 11–9 a confidence-boosting equalizer that silenced the otherwise partisan European crowd.
Riding on the momentum, Shah and Chitale dominated the third game with crisp attacking intent. Their chemistry honed through months of international competition came alive as they targeted Uda’s mid-court transitions and disrupted Shin’s timing. Diya’s service variations, mixing side-topspin and quick flat serves, caught the opponents off guard multiple times, while Manush dictated play from deep.
They raced to a 7–3 lead and never looked back, closing the third game 11–7. At this stage, it appeared that the Indians had cracked the code, reading their opponents’ rhythm and applying sustained pressure. But the match turned again in the fourth. Uda, the former Youth Olympic champion, adjusted his shot depth and began playing more aggressively down the middle, forcing errors from the Indians. Shin complemented him with sharp counters, and despite a late surge from Diya, the Japanese-Korean pair held firm to win 11–6 and level the match at 2–2.
The final game was everything one would expect from a high-level mixed doubles contest fast, tactical, and emotionally charged. Both teams traded points evenly till 7–7, each relying on their service accuracy and reflex-driven exchanges. However, Uda and Shin showcased superior composure in the closing moments.
Two unforced errors from the Indian side a long return from Diya and a clipped edge on Manush’s backhand gave the international pair a crucial 10–7 lead. They made no mistake in converting on the first match point, sealing the game 11–7 and the match 3–2.
It was heartbreak for India but a performance that earned respect. For Manush and Diya, it was another reminder of how close they are to breaking into the upper echelons of global mixed doubles competition. For India, this defeat doesn’t overshadow the positives. The young pair showed that they could stand toe-to-toe with world-class opposition. Their mix of aggressive rallies and adaptive tactics reflected significant improvement from earlier rounds this season, including their solid performances at WTT Contender events in Muscat and Zagreb.
Diya Chitale, still in her early twenties, continues to develop as a reliable mixed doubles partner with quick reactions and tactical presence. Her ability to absorb pace and redirect shots with precision complements Manush’s left-handed spin-heavy attack beautifully.
Manush, on his part, continues to mature as a doubles player capable of leading from the front. His controlled aggression and smooth transitions between forehand and backhand loops kept Uda and Shin on their toes throughout.
A Tournament of Fine Margins for India
It was a mixed day overall for the Indian contingent in London. While Shah and Diya narrowly missed out on a quarterfinal berth, other Indian paddlers had contrasting fortunes. S. Sathiyan dominated Belgium’s Adrien Rassenfosse 3–0 in men’s singles, while Yashaswini endured a narrow 2–3 loss to compatriot Diya Chitale in the women’s singles opening round.
The mixed doubles loss, however, underscored India’s growing competitiveness at this level where matches are increasingly being decided by a handful of points rather than gaps in skill.
For Shah and Chitale, this defeat will sting, but it will also serve as fuel. The duo have been steadily climbing in the WTT circuit rankings, and with performances like this, a breakthrough run at a top-tier event doesn’t seem far away. As the Indian table tennis ecosystem continues to invest in doubles strategy and international exposure, matches like these even in defeat show that India is inching ever closer to consistent medal contention on the global stage.
Final Score:
🇯🇵 Yukiya Uda / 🇰🇷 Shin Yubin def. 🇮🇳 Manush Shah / Diya Chitale 3–2 (9–11, 11–9, 11–7, 6–11, 11–7)
