Indian table tennis veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal made a shock exit from the Paris Olympic 2024 Result men’s singles competition but star woman player Manika Batra and rising talent Sreeja Akula advanced to the round of 32, bringing a mix of disappointment and hope for Indian fans.
Sharath Kamal’s Unexpected Exit
Achanta Sharath Kamal, making his fifth Olympic 2024 Result, faced an early exit in the round of 64. The 42-year-old veteran lost to Slovenia’s Deni Kozul in a match that lasted 53 minutes. Despite winning the first game, Kamal struggled to maintain his lead and eventually lost 2-4 (12-10, 9-11, 6-11, 7-11, 11-8, 10-12). Ranked 40th in the world, Kamal found it challenging against Kozul, who is ranked 126th.
Kamal’s Performance Breakdown
Kamal started strong, winning the first game with a tight 12-10 score. However, he lost momentum in the next three games, trailing 1-3. He managed to win the fifth game but fell short in the sixth, resulting in his exit from the competition. This unexpected loss was a significant blow, given Kamal’s experience and ranking.
Manika Batra’s Dominant Start
On the other hand, Manika Batra showcased a stellar performance in her round of 64 women’s singles match. The 29-year-old defeated Anna Hursey of Great Britain 4-1 (11-8, 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5) in 41 minutes. Seeded 18th in the tournament and ranked 28th in the world, Batra dominated her opponent from the start.
Batra’s Match Highlights
Manika quickly secured a 3-0 lead, demonstrating her superiority. Despite losing the fourth game, she swiftly regained control and won the fifth game, securing her place in the round of 32. Her next challenge will be against the 12th seed, Prithika Pavade of France, on July 31.
Sreeja Akula’s Clinical Victory
India’s top-ranked woman paddler, Sreeja Akula, also advanced to the round of 32 with a convincing 4-0 win over Sweden’s Christina Kallberg. Akula, who made history by becoming the first Indian paddler to win a WTT Contender singles title, displayed excellent form throughout the match.
Akula’s Winning Strategy
Sreeja dominated the first set, winning 11-4. Although the second set was more competitive, she maintained her composure to win 11-9. The third set saw a neck-to-neck battle, but Sreeja pulled through with an 11-7 victory. In the fourth set, despite a brief comeback from Kallberg, Sreeja sealed the match with an 11-8 win, showcasing her skill and determination.
Looking Ahead
With Sharath Kamal’s early exit, India’s hopes in men’s singles have dimmed, but the performances of Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula bring optimism. Both players have shown they are in excellent form and ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Key Matches to Watch
- Manika Batra vs. Prithika Pavade: This round of 32 match on July 31 will be crucial. Batra needs to maintain her momentum against the higher-seeded Pavade.
- Sreeja Akula’s Next Match: After her impressive win, Akula will be looking to continue her winning streak. Her next opponent is yet to be determined, but her current form suggests she will be a formidable competitor.
Conclusion
The mixed results from the Indian table tennis team at the Paris Olympic 2024 Result highlight the unpredictable nature of the sport. While Achanta Sharath Kamal’s exit is disappointing, the strong performances by Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula offer hope for India’s medal prospects. As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on these talented women to see if they can continue their journey and bring glory to the nation. Stay updated with the latest Olympic 2024 News from IPL365.
