Nithya Mani Secures Spot in WTT Star Contender Goa 2024 Main Draw with Thrilling Qualifying Victory

Mapusa (Goa), Jan 24: Indian table tennis player Nithya Mani has clinched a spot in the main draw of the WTT Star Contender Goa 2024 after a thrilling victory in the final qualifying round at the Peddem Indoor Stadium in Mapusa, Goa.

In a nail-biting encounter, Chennai-based Nithya triumphed over England's Tin-Tin Ho with a 3-2 scoreline (11-7, 6-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-7) in the Women's Singles - Qualifying Round 3. This hard-fought win propels Nithya into the main draws, scheduled to commence on Thursday at the same venue.

The WTT Star Contender Goa 2024, co-hosted by Stupa Sports Analytics and Ultimate Table Tennis under the guidance of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), has attracted top talent from around the world.

In the women's singles category, Ayhika Mukherjee faced a 1-3 (11-5, 9-11, 6-11, 6-11) defeat against Turkey's Sibel Altinkaya, while Spain's Sofia Zhang secured her spot in the main draw by defeating Diya Chitale 3-1 (11-5, 6-11, 14-12, 11-0) in the Qualifying Round 3. Unfortunately, Sutirtha Mukherjee bowed out of the tournament after a 1-3 (8-11, 7-11, 12-10, 4-11) loss against Hanna Ryu in Women's Singles - Qualifying Round 2.

In the men's singles category, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran faced a tough battle and succumbed to a 2-3 (7-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 8-11) defeat against Vincent Picard of France in Qualifying Round 2. On the other hand, Senegal's Ibrahima Diaw secured a 3-0 (12-10, 11-6, 11-7) victory over Manav Thakkar in Qualifying Round 3.

The men's doubles category witnessed a strong performance by Jeet Chandra and Payas Jain, who secured their place in the main draw with a comfortable 3-1 (11-13, 11-7, 12-10, 11-4) win over compatriots Yashansh Malik and Abhinandh Pradhivadhi. In the Women's Doubles - Qualifying Round 2, Sayali Wani and Taneesha Kotecha defeated the Indian pair of Suhana Saini and Yashaswini Ghorpade by 3-1 (9-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-6) to reach the main draw.

The mixed doubles category saw Manush Shah and Diya Chitale emerging victorious in Qualifying Round 2, overcoming the challenge of Snehit Suravajjula and Sreeja Akula with a convincing 3-0 (11-4, 11-3, 11-8) scoreline.

Table tennis enthusiasts can witness the world-class action live by booking tickets on BookMyShow. For those unable to attend, the matches will be available on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & Sony Sports Ten 2 HD channels on TV, and a live stream on the Sony Liv app. The tournament promises to be a showcase of skill and intensity as top players battle it out on the Goa table tennis stage.