Asian Games 2023: G Sathiyan-Manika Batra, Harmeet Desai-Sreeja Akula Pairs Participate in Mixed Doubles Pre-Quarters

India’s G Sathiyan and Manika Batra on Wednesday stormed into the mixed doubles ahead of the quarterfinals of the Asian Games table tennis competition. Sathiyan and Batra defeated Thailand’s Napat Thanmathikom and Suthasini Sawettabut 10-12, 11-8, 11-3, 11-8. Later, Harmeet Desai teamed up with Sreeja Akula to overcome Macau’s Chi Cheng Cheong and Hui Li Seak 12-10, 11-7, 11-7 to also enter the last 16 stage. Sathiyan and Batra got off to a rather cold start to the match and lost the first game 10-12.
Perhaps, stung by the loose play they dished out, the Indian pair showed more purpose in the second game.

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The Thai duo trailed their Indian counterparts 6-6, but Sathiyan and Batra stepped up their game when it was most needed.

Nipat could not return Sathiyan’s ferocious forehand as India led 10-8 when India equalised.

Sathiyan and Batra had little trouble in overcoming the challenge of Thai players in the third set and won it quite easily 11-3.

In the fourth game, India led comfortably 10-5, but the Thai pair staged a mini-comeback and won three points in a row.

However, Suthasini could not connect with a forehand properly as India won the point and the match.

Harmeet and Sreeja faced stiff opposition from Macau’s Chi and Hui in the first game before winning 12-10.

But the Indian duo did not face any meaningful challenge from their opponents in the next two matches.

In the men’s doubles, India’s Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah survived some close moments before beating Thailand’s Napat Thanmathikom and Sitisak Nuchchart 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 7-11, 12-10.

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