"Baby faced Monster" - Fans hail Sreeja Akula as she completes incredible comeback to reach Round of 16 in Paris 2024
Fans were left thrilled and excited as Indian table tennis youngster Sreeja Akula made her way into the Round of 16 women's singles at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Akula, who was facing Singapore's Jian Zeng, lost the first game 9-11 but made an incredible comeback to win the next four games.
The Indian fans who had earlier acknowledged Sreeja as one of the most prominent medal prospects for India in table tennis, could not help but share their thrill and excitement following the game.
"Baby faced Monster Sreeja Akula into top 16. Manika earlier became the first player to do so,and Sreeja followed quickly," wrote a fan on X.
"Cool from Sreeja. Will face Chinese in round of 16 !!Happy birthday @SreejaAkula31," wrote another.
"Sreeja enerves of STEEL the whole crowd was up on their feet what a player," posted another fan.
"Sreeja Akula is already a legend.#Olympics #TableTennis," claimed one user.
"Sreeja Akula qualifies for the Round Of 16. Playing her first Olympics and standing out tall, " wrote a fan.
"Sreeja eheld her nerves brilliantly in the crunch moments of the match," another user posted.
Sreeja Akula celebrates her birthday with a stellar win in Paris 2024
On her birthday, Sreeja delivered an extraordinary performance, marking a historic achievement despite a close loss in the first game. Undeterred by the setback, Sreeja mounted a formidable comeback in Game 2.
She consistently troubled Zeng with her serve, showcasing a renewed confidence. This determination paid off, as Sreeja edged out Zeng with a 12-10 win, leveling the match.
Riding the momentum from her comeback, Sreeja dominated the third and fourth games. She quickly established a commanding 4-0 lead in Game 3, eventually closing it out with an emphatic 11-4 scoreline. Her aggressive play continued in Game 4, where she comfortably won 11-5, putting her one step away from victory.
Zeng, however, wasn’t ready to concede easily. She pushed back in Game 5, turning it into the most intense battle of the match. Although Zeng managed to win 12-10, Sreeja remained composed, ultimately securing her spot in the pre-quarterfinals by clinching the final game 12-10, wrapping up a thrilling contest in style.