Manika Batra advances to Round of 32 in Paris 2024 Olympics; set to face Indian-origin Prithika Pavade
In a thrilling round of 64 matches at the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian table tennis star Manika Batra triumphed over Great Britain's Anna Hursey to advance to the round of 32 in the women's singles event. The contest, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, saw the 29-year-old Batra secure a hard-fought victory with scores of 11-8, 12-10, 11-9, 9-11, and 11-5.
The match began with both players exchanging points in the early stages of the first game. However, Batra managed to pull away at a crucial moment, clinching the game 11–8.
The second game proved to be a nail-biter, with Hursey applying significant pressure on her Indian opponent. Despite the intense back-and-forth, Batra found a way to edge out Hursey, winning 12-10.
As the third game unfolded, Hursey, showing remarkable resilience, took an 8-7 lead. Nonetheless, Manika Batra remained composed under pressure and converted her second game point to take the game 11-9.
The fourth game saw Batra off to a strong start, leading 5-1, only for Hursey to rally back and eventually take the game 11-9, keeping her hopes alive.
Undeterred by the setback, Batra dominated the fifth game, swiftly closing it out 11-5, thereby securing her place in the next round.
Manika Batra will face Indian-origin Prithika Pavade in Round of 32
Manika Batra's next challenge will be against the 12th seed, Prithika Pavade of France, on July 31. Prithika Pavade, a 19-year-old of Indian origin with roots tracing back to Pondicherry, represents France in the event.
Currently ranked 32nd in the world in singles, Pavade has shown impressive form. Alongside Camille Lutz, she is ranked 15th in women’s doubles and 25th in mixed doubles with Simon Gauzy.
Pavade, playing in her second Olympics, aims to improve on her Tokyo 2021 performance, where she exited in the qualifying rounds.
Her recent performances have been promising, having reached the semi-finals of the WTT Contender tournament in Zagreb in June 2024 and the final of the women’s doubles at the WTT Contender in Amman, alongside Lutz.