Manika Batra gets emotional after stunning World No. 2 Wang Manyu: 'Still shivering'
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In a historic moment for India, table tennis star Manika Batra has earned one of the biggest victories of her singles career after beating the World No. 2 Wang Manyu of China in the women's singles Round of 32 at the Saudi Smash table tennis tournament. Her victory came in a hard-fought 3-1 match that lasted 37 minutes.
Notably, Manika Batra came back in the 4th game when she was 8-10 down. Holding her nerves, the World No 39. saved two game points before sealing the match 6-11, 11-5, 11-7, 12-10.
A video of Manika Batra roaring and punching the air in delight was shared on social media as she celebrated her win. The star paddler embraced her coach as she scripted a famous win from the sidelines.
Manika needed a couple of seconds to gather her thoughts as she was trying to control her happy tears while burying her face in a towel after the memorable win.
.@manikabatra_TT stuns the World No. 2️⃣ at @SaudiSmash 🤯 🏓
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) May 6, 2024
One of the 𝐁𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐒𝐓 victories of her career 👏#SonySportsNetwork #SaudiSmash #TableTennis #ManikaBatra #WangManyu | @WTTGlobal pic.twitter.com/eK8ionjG88
"I am still shivering, I am really happy for this. Beating Chinese players is a great thing for me and World No. 2. I think it will take time to digest. Of course, I have to prepare for my next match. I am very happy," Manika said after the win on Monday.
"I had been losing against her for the last two times. This time, I thought of playing my best game and going all out. I was just enjoying every point. Last game, I was 8-10 down and then I won from there. I loved my fighting spirit," she added.
Manika Batra will face World No. 14 Nina Mittelham of Germany in the Round of 16 at Saudi Smash.