Manika Batra’s Saudi Smash Run Ends With Quarterfinal Loss

In Table Tennis, Manika Batra’s memorable run at Saudi Smash ended with a loss to World No. 5 Hina Hayata in the quarterfinals in Jeddah yesterday.

Japan’s Hayata beat World No. 39 Manika 4-1 (7-11, 11-6, 11-4, 13-11, 11-2) to reach the semifinals.

Batra began her campaign with



a 3-0 (11-6, 13-11, 11-8) win over Romania’s Andreea Dragoman. She stunned China’s Wang Manyu, ranked second in the world, 3-1 (6-11, 11-5, 11-7, 12-10) in the second round before defeating World No. 14 Nina Mittelham of Germany 3-0 (11-6, 11-9, 11-7) in the round of 16.