The WTT Contender Buenos Aires 2025 opened with an impressive run for Indian table tennis players across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories.
From stunning upsets to dominant performances, Indian paddlers showcased depth and resilience on Day 1 and Day 2 of the main draw, with several advancing to the next rounds.
Men’s Singles (MS): Confident March into the Round of 16
India’s campaign in Men’s Singles got off to a promising start as three players moved into the Round of 16.
- Manav Thakkar displayed composure against home favourite Santiago Lorenzo 🇦🇷, winning 3-1. Thakkar mixed control with sharp forehand counters to wrap up the match.
- Harmeet Desai faced a sterner test against Japan’s Yukiya Uda 🇯🇵. In a high-quality contest, Desai held his nerve to edge out Uda 3-2, showing why he remains one of India’s most dependable players.
- Snehit Suravajjula delivered a disciplined performance against Australia’s Hwan Bae 🇦🇺, clinching a 3-1 win. His blend of topspin aggression and tactical variation proved too strong.
These wins underline the growing depth in Indian men’s table tennis, with all three players poised for tough challenges in the next round.
Women’s Singles (WS): Ayhika’s Big Upset Headlines India’s Charge
India’s women paddlers also enjoyed a successful outing.
- Ayhika Mukherjee produced the standout moment by defeating World No. 18 Bruna Takahashi 🇧🇷 in a gripping five-game thriller (11-7, 10-12, 7-11, 11-7, 11-5). Ranked WR 94, Ayhika showed exceptional defensive resilience and creative shot placement to knock out the fourth seed. Her tactical mix of blocks and well-timed counters left Takahashi struggling to find rhythm.
- Diya Chitale recorded a straight-games victory over Li Yu-Jhun 🇹🇼, winning 3-0 in commanding style. Chitale’s aggressive forehand play and quick footwork ensured a smooth passage into the Round of 16.
Ayhika now faces Brazil’s Karina Shiray 🇧🇷 in her next match, while Chitale also prepares for tougher tests ahead.
Meanwhile, questions emerged over Manika Batra’s form. Despite her reputation, her over-reliance on placement and the lack of raw power were evident once again. Observers noted that while Batra remains a tactical player, modern table tennis increasingly demands a combination of speed and power an area she might need to address moving forward.
Men’s Doubles (MD): Three Indian Pairs Storm into Quarterfinals
It was an excellent outing in men’s doubles as all three Indian pairs advanced to the quarterfinals.
- Manav Thakkar / Manush Shah breezed past their Venezuelan opponents 🇻🇪 with a 3-0 win, combining left-right dynamics effectively.
- Harmeet Desai / Snehit Suravajjula overcame an Argentine pair 🇦🇷 3-1, with steady service games and coordinated returns.
- Payas Jain / Ankur Bhaskar added to India’s success, defeating the Franco–Puerto Rican pair 🇫🇷/🇵🇷 3-1 with sharp counterattacks and tactical service variations.
These results reflect the solid chemistry Indian doubles players have developed, further strengthening India’s presence in team events.
Mixed Doubles (XD): India’s Depth on Display
Indian mixed doubles combinations also shone brightly, securing three quarterfinal spots.
- Manush Shah / Diya Chitale clinched a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Japan’s Shinozuka/Odo 🇯🇵. The pair navigated pressure moments skillfully, particularly in the deciding game.
- Harmeet Desai / Yashaswini Ghorpade beat their Chilean opponents 🇨🇱 3-1, showing balanced aggression and composure.
- Ankur Bhaskar / Ayhika Mukherjee prevailed 3-2 over the local Argentine pair 🇦🇷. Ayhika’s quick reflexes at the table complemented Ankur’s powerful top spins.
With multiple Indian paddlers reaching the last 16 in singles and several doubles and mixed doubles pairs moving into the quarterfinals, the WTT Contender Buenos Aires is shaping into a memorable tournament for India.
The highlight remains Ayhika Mukherjee’s upset over Bruna Takahashi a win that reaffirms her fighting spirit and ability to trouble higher-ranked players. Meanwhile, Diya Chitale’s form and the consistent performances by the men add to the optimism.
The coming rounds will be crucial as the Indian contingent eyes deeper runs and possibly podium finishes. Fans will be keenly watching to see if Ayhika can continue her dream run and whether the men’s and mixed doubles pairs can convert momentum into medals.
Stay tuned for more updates as India’s campaign at Buenos Aires continues. 🇮🇳🏓
