Manika Batra, the only Indian table tennis player remaining in the competition, is set to face Japan’s world No. 5 Hina Hayata in the quarters on Thursday. Hayata is a former Asian champion and multiple World Championships medallist. The two players have met three times before, with Hayata winning twice.
During the Saudi Smash 2024 tournament, Batra surprised everyone by defeating world No. 2 and former world champion Wang Manyu from China, advancing to the round of 16. This victory was considered the biggest achievement of her career. Prior to this, she defeated world No. 57 Andreea Dragoman of Romania in the opening round.
Batra’s recent performances are expected to not only raise her to her highest ranking but also reclaim her spot as India’s No. 1 table tennis player. Her best singles ranking so far is 33, achieved in the early part of last year.
The Saudi Smash event is set to conclude on Saturday with Batra looking forward to facing Hayata in a highly anticipated quarter-final matchup.
