Syndrela Das-Sutirtha Mukherjee Stun No. 1 Seeds, Reach WTT Contender Almaty Final

India's Syndrela Das and Sutirtha Mukherjee produced a magnificent result at the WTT Contender Almaty 2026, stunning top seeds Diya Chitale and Yashaswini Ghorpade to book their place in the women's doubles final.

The Kolkata girls defeated their higher-ranked compatriots 3-1 in a closely contested semifinal, winning 11-6, 12-10, 8-11 and 11-6. Das and Mukherjee maintained their composure during the crucial stages of the contest to complete a memorable victory and advance to the title clash.

The result is particularly significant given that Chitale and Ghorpade entered the tournament as the No. 1 seeds. The top-seeded combination had looked impressive in the earlier rounds and was among the leading contenders for the title.

Das and Mukherjee, however, produced their best table tennis when it mattered most. After taking the opening two games, the Indian duo saw Chitale and Ghorpade fight back by claiming the third 11-8. Das and Mukherjee responded strongly in the fourth, closing it out 11-6 to seal their place in Sunday's final.

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They will now face a formidable Japanese combination in the summit clash, with Miu Hirano and Miyuu Kihara awaiting them. The match is likely to start around 11.30 AM IST in India on Sunday.

Hirano and Kihara have also enjoyed an impressive campaign in Almaty and will provide another major test for the Indian pair. The Japanese duo's attacking quality and experience will make them difficult opponents, but Das and Mukherjee will enter the final with considerable confidence following their upset over the tournament's top seeds.

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For Indian table tennis, the result guarantees representation in the women's doubles final and gives Das and Mukherjee an opportunity to finish the tournament with a major WTT title.

The final is scheduled to take place on Sunday, with the Indian pair now just one victory away from claiming the women's doubles crown in Almaty.

Syndrela has grown in statures in the last few months and is also part of the Indian Women's team for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. Syndrela Das has also been included in the TOPS Development Programme recently, which will provide specialised care for India's medal prospects in future Olympics tournaments.