In a thrilling twist at the 2022 World Team Table Tennis Championships held in Busan, South Korea, Indian table tennis players Ayhika Mukherjee and Sreeja Akula achieved unprecedented victories against China’s top-ranked players, Sun Yingsha and Wang Yidi.
These unexpected triumphs not only took the table tennis world by surprise but also showcased the growing prowess of Indian women in the sport.
Ayhika Mukherjee’s Strategic Brilliance
China’s women’s team had been a powerhouse, securing the gold medal in the championships without dropping a single match. The Indian duo, however, changed the narrative by taking a jaw-dropping 2-1 lead against China in their opening encounter. Ayhika Mukherjee’s unique Dr. Neubauer Gorilla backhand rubber played a crucial role in her 3-1 victory (12-10, 2-11, 13-11, 11-6) against World No. 1 Sun Yingsha, giving India an early advantage.
Ayhika Mukherjee, ranked 155 in singles, showcased strategic brilliance during her match against Sun Yingsha. Using her unique Dr. Neubauer Gorilla backhand rubber, Ayhika caught the World No. 1 off guard with a change of pace and precision.
Despite trailing in every game, Ayhika displayed resilience, saving crucial points and securing the first game with a remarkable rally. Her tactical play and confidence in her unique playing style played a pivotal role in setting the stage for India’s early lead.
Sreeja Akula’s Forehand Brilliance
Following Ayhika’s spectacular win, Sreeja Akula continued the momentum with a stellar performance against World No. 2 Wang Yidi. Ranked in the top 50, Sreeja’s clinical 3-0 triumph (11-7, 11-9, 13-11) demonstrated her dominance, especially with powerful forehand shots.
This unexpected success marked a rare occurrence of Indian players defeating top-ranked Chinese opponents in the same match.
Sreeja Akula’s remarkable performance against Wang Yidi highlighted her forehand dominance and strategic gameplay. The 25-year-old Indian showcased composure and control, going 9-7 up in the first game and overcoming deficits in subsequent games.
Sreeja’s ability to boss forehand duels against the 2021 Worlds singles bronze medallist demonstrated a rare sight in table tennis – defeating a top Chinese player in straight games.
Despite India’s initial lead, the Chinese team managed to regroup and eke out a 3-2 victory in the end. India’s top-ranked player, Manika Batra, put up a valiant effort, but China ultimately restored order.
The defeat, however, showcased India’s ability to challenge and rattle the traditionally dominant Chinese team, leaving a lasting impact on the tournament.
Second Triumph Against China in Six Months
This victory marked the second instance in less than six months that Indian women’s table tennis players achieved success against their Chinese counterparts.
Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee had previously secured a bronze medal in the Asian Games doubles event, defeating Wang Yidi and Cheng Meng. The consistent success against Chinese players highlights a positive trend for Indian table tennis.
Hope and Belief for Future Matches
While the defeat may have been disappointing for India, the team’s strong showing against China, particularly the initial lead, injected hope and belief for their remaining group matches. Facing Hungary next, the Indian team aspires for a quarter-final finish and eyes a Paris Olympics quota from this prestigious event.
The close encounter with the Chinese team serves as a confidence booster, showcasing India’s potential to make a mark on the international table tennis stage.
Positive Takeaway
Ayhika Mukherjee and Sreeja Akula’s remarkable victories against China’s World No. 1 and 2 have not only surprised the table tennis world but also highlighted the rising capabilities of Indian women in the sport.
This unexpected success marks a turning point, instilling confidence and optimism for India’s future performances on the global stage.
