Strong Start for India at WTT US Smash 2025: Ayhika, Manush Advance; Upset Wins for Sutirtha, Sathiyan, and Diya
The Indian table tennis contingent kicked off their WTT US Smash 2025 campaign with a string of impressive performances in the qualifying rounds, highlighted by dominant victories from Ayhika Mukherjee and Manush Shah, who both moved into Qualifier 2. The day also saw Sutirtha Mukherjee pull off a stunning upset over a top-100 opponent, while G. Sathiyan and Diya Chitale secured confident wins to give India a promising start to the tournament in the United States.
Qualifier 1: Ayhika and Manush Progress Smoothly
In the women’s singles qualifying round, World No. 99 Ayhika Mukherjee put up a clinical display against Switzerland’s Rachel Moret (WR 167). Ayhika controlled proceedings right from the start, winning in straight games 11-6, 11-7, 11-5. Her timing, placement, and variation proved too much for Moret to handle as Ayhika eased into Qualifier 2.
In the men’s section, World No. 67 Manush Shah overcame a slow start to defeat Italy’s John Oyebode (WR 155). After dropping the first game 9-11, Manush found his rhythm and surged ahead with a 3-1 win (9-11, 11-4, 11-4, 11-3). His aggressive forehands and quick transitions proved decisive in turning the match around.
Sutirtha Shocks WR 97 in Straight Games
The standout result of the day came from Sutirtha Mukherjee, who pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Qualifier 1. Ranked 213th in the world, Sutirtha played fearless and composed table tennis to dismantle Italy’s Gaia Monfardini (WR 97) in straight games: 11-2, 11-7, 11-8.
Sutirtha’s backhand blocks and counter-hits were on point, and her ability to change pace mid-rally left Monfardini searching for answers. With this win, Sutirtha moves into Qualifier 2, where she will face a stern test against top seed Zeng Jian (WR 54) of Singapore.
Yashaswini Fights Through in Five-Game Thriller
Another notable victory came from Yashaswini Ghorpade (WR 101), who held her nerve in a tense five-game battle against Slovakia’s Tatiana Varady (WR 138). After a back-and-forth contest, Yashaswini pulled through with a 3-2 win (10-12, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6) to join the list of Indian winners on Day 1.
Sathiyan and Diya Make a Statement
In a highly anticipated match, G. Sathiyan (WR 137) took on Sweden’s Mattias Falck (WR 69), a former World Championship silver medallist. Despite a shaky start, Sathiyan showcased resilience and tactical brilliance to win the match 3-2 (7-11, 11-7, 6-11, 13-11, 11-6). It was one of the biggest wins for the veteran Indian paddler in recent months and a timely boost in confidence.
Meanwhile, Diya Chitale (WR 93) continued her upward trajectory with a dominant 3-0 win (11-7, 11-4, 11-5) over Egypt’s Farah Fathy (WR 113). Diya played with great composure and attacking intent, maintaining control throughout the contest.
Losses for Harmeet and Snehit
Not all results went India’s way, as Harmeet Desai (WR 75) fell to Portugal’s Tiago Apolonia (WR 98) in four games: 6-11, 7-11, 12-10, 8-11. Despite showing flashes of form, Harmeet couldn’t maintain the pressure needed to break through the veteran Portuguese’s rhythm.
Snehit Suravajjula (WR 99) also bowed out early, losing in straight games to Leonardo Mutti (WR 80) by 9-11, 9-11, 6-12, unable to capitalize on crucial points in a closely contested first two games.
Summary of Indian Results WTT US Smash 2025, Qualifying Round 1
Women’s Singles
- Ayhika Mukherjee (WR 99) def. Rachel Moret (SUI, WR 167) — 3-0 (11-6, 11-7, 11-5)
- Sutirtha Mukherjee (WR 213) def. Gaia Monfardini (ITA, WR 97) — 3-0 (11-2, 11-7, 11-8)
- Yashaswini Ghorpade (WR 101) def. Tatiana Varady (SVK, WR 138) — 3-2 (10-12, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6)
- Diya Chitale (WR 93) def. Farah Fathy (EGY, WR 113) — 3-0 (11-7, 11-4, 11-5)
Men’s Singles
- Manush Shah (WR 67) def. John Oyebode (ITA, WR 155) — 3-1 (9-11, 11-4, 11-4, 11-3)
- G. Sathiyan (WR 137) def. Mattias Falck (SWE, WR 69) — 3-2 (7-11, 11-7, 6-11, 13-11, 11-6)
- Harmeet Desai (WR 75) lost to Tiago Apolonia (POR, WR 98) — 1-3 (6-11, 7-11, 12-10, 8-11)
- Snehit Suravajjula (WR 99) lost to Leonardo Mutti (ITA, WR 80) — 0-3 (9-11, 9-11, 6-12)
Several Indian players now head into Qualifier 2, where the stakes get higher and the opponents tougher. With top seeds awaiting, including Singapore’s Zeng Jian for Sutirtha, the coming rounds will be crucial in determining how many Indians will make it into the main draw of the WTT US Smash 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Indian contingent looks to build on this strong start.
Follow @IndiaSportsHub for live updates and match coverage from WTT US Smash 2025.
