Tennis

Alexander Bublik's Table Tennis Encounter with a 13-Year-Old ProdigyChinese teenager Shang Juncheng wasn't the only one to outplay Alexander Bublik in Chengdu this week. The second-seeded Kazakh, who fell to Shang in the quarterfinals, also found himself on the losing end of a table tennis match against a local 13-year-old prodigy.The ATP teased the encounter on social media, asking if Bublik's underarm serve would prove useful against the youngster. However, the answer was a resounding no."It's a completely different sport," Bublik joked before the match, adding that winning even three points would be "a highlight."Bublik was impressed by the youngster's endurance and technique, particularly his ability to return serve. However, the Kazakh ultimately achieved his goal of winning three points and presented his opponent with a giant autographed tennis ball."It's tough for tennis players because we're used to big swings," Bublik explained. "Here, he's playing with a very short swing. What am I supposed to do now?"Bublik's solution? Return to full-sized tennis. He is seeded No. 8 this week at the ATP 500 China Open.

Indian table tennis legend Sharath Kamal, despite his initial plans to retire after his fifth Olympic appearance, has decided to extend his professional career for another season. The 42-year-old has been appointed captain of the Indian men's team for the upcoming Asian Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.Kamal, who is currently ranked 37th in the world, will also participate in the China Smash tournament later this month before heading to Kazakhstan for the Asian Championships, which begin on October 7. He aims to continue playing until the 2025 World Championships in Doha.Beyond his playing career, Kamal is also exploring opportunities in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). He is the first Indian to be elected to the ITTF athletes' commission and is also part of the athletes' body in the Indian Olympic Association.Kamal has ruled out competing in the 2028 Olympics but is considering participating in the 2026 Asian Games. He believes his body is still in good condition and is able to balance his personal life with his professional commitments.Despite a disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics, where he exited the individual events early and India lost in the pre-quarterfinals of the team championship, Kamal remains optimistic about the future of Indian table tennis. He aims to use his experience and connections to create a stronger structure for the sport in India and attract more corporate sponsorships.

Dabang Delhi TTC Triumphs in UTT 2024 Opener, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran ShinesIn a thrilling encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Dabang Delhi TTC secured their first victory of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) 2024 season, defeating Athlead Goa Challengers 3-2.Captain Sathiyan Gnanasekaran led the charge for Delhi, showcasing his exceptional skills in a hard-fought battle against Mihai Bobocica. Despite Bobocica's early advantage, Sathiyan rallied back to claim the match in three games.Orawan Paranang also played a pivotal role for Delhi, becoming the first paddler to defeat Yangzi Liu in UTT history. Paranang's impressive performance continued in the mixed doubles, where she and Sathiyan teamed up to overcome Liu and Harmeet Desai.Harmeet Desai, captain of Athlead Goa Challengers, displayed resilience in the second men's singles, bouncing back from a game down to defeat Andreas Levenko. However, Diya Chitale sealed the victory for Delhi with a decisive win over Yashaswini Ghorpade.Sathiyan and Paranang were recognized for their outstanding contributions, earning the Indian and Foreign Player of the Tie honors, respectively. Sathiyan also received the DafaNews Shot of the Tie award, while Bobocica claimed the ACT Fastest Rally of the Tie.The franchise-based UTT 2024, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), continues on Thursday with PBG Bengaluru Smashers facing Jaipur Patriots.

Sreeja Akula, India's rising table tennis star, has etched her name in history by becoming the second Indian woman to reach the pre-quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics. On her 26th birthday, Akula displayed remarkable resilience and determination to overcome Singapore's Jian Zeng in a thrilling 4-2 victory.Akula's journey to the pre-quarterfinals was not without its challenges. She dropped the opening game but rallied back with unwavering spirit, winning the next three games to take a commanding lead. Zeng fought back to claim the fifth game, but Akula remained composed and sealed the deal in the sixth game, securing her place in the next round.Akula's victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Last month, she achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 24, displacing Manika Batra as India's top women's singles player. Akula's triumph at the WTT Contender singles title in Lagos in June further solidified her status as a rising star in the sport.In the pre-quarterfinals, Akula will face a formidable opponent in China's world number one Sun Yingsha. Despite the daunting task ahead, Akula is confident in her abilities and determined to make history once again.Akula's success is not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for Indian table tennis. It marks the first time that two Indian women have reached the pre-quarterfinals of the Olympics, a testament to the growing strength and depth of the sport in India.

Lily Ann Zhang, a 28-year-old table tennis player from California, has made history by reaching the top 16 in women's singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Born to Chinese immigrant parents, Zhang has faced the pressure of their expectations for academic excellence and a "normal job."Despite her parents' concerns, Zhang has pursued her passion for table tennis since childhood. She began training professionally at age seven, using her family's dining table as a practice surface. Her mother, a former table tennis player in China, has been a source of inspiration and support.Zhang's journey to the Olympics has been marked by both success and setbacks. She has represented the USA in four previous Olympics, but has yet to medal. However, she remains determined to achieve her goals, recognizing the fragility of a sporting career.Zhang's story highlights the challenges faced by many Asian-American athletes who navigate the expectations of their immigrant parents. Team USA's Chinese-origin coach, Jun Gao, observes that many talented Asian players abandon their athletic pursuits after college due to parental pressure.Zhang's success serves as an inspiration to young athletes who may face similar obstacles. She demonstrates that it is possible to pursue one's dreams while respecting the values of one's heritage.

Manika Batra, India's table tennis star, has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian to reach the singles pre-quarterfinals at the Olympic Games. Her remarkable 4-0 victory over world number 18 and home favorite Prithika Pavade on Monday marked a significant milestone for Indian table tennis.The 29-year-old Batra dominated the match from the outset, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination. She secured a 11-9 11-6 11-9 11-7 victory over Pavade, who has Indian roots. This triumph stands as one of the most memorable moments for an Indian table tennis player in Olympic history.Batra's strategy of attacking Pavade's backhand proved highly effective, although it was not her initial plan. "I had planned to play to her forehand as discussed with my coach, but I was getting the points on her backhand, so I did not change the tactics," she explained.Batra's composure and focus were evident throughout the match. "Staying relaxed helps me both on and off the court. I do breathing exercises that help me during the match," she said.Pavade, whose parents are originally from Puducherry, has made significant progress since her first-round exit at the Tokyo Olympics. However, she was unable to overcome Batra's commanding performance.The first game was a close affair, with both players neck and neck. Batra's ability to induce errors from Pavade proved crucial, as she secured the game with a powerful forehand drive.Batra continued her momentum in the second game, taking an early lead. Pavade fought back, but Batra's relentless attacks on her backhand earned her the second game.The third game saw Batra establish a 3-0 cushion, as Pavade struggled to return her shots. Despite Pavade's desperate efforts, Batra maintained her dominance, taking the game with a 11-9 score.In the fourth game, Batra's ferocious forehand gave her a commanding lead. She converted the third match point when Pavade netted her backhand, securing the victory in 37 minutes.Batra's historic achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit. She has not only made India proud but has also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams.

Indian table tennis veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal's Olympic journey came to an abrupt end in the men's singles competition, while star woman player Manika Batra made a strong start to her campaign in Paris.Kamal, 42, suffered a disappointing 2-4 (12-10 9-11 6-11 7-11 11-8 10-12) defeat to Deni Kozul of Slovenia in the round of 64. Despite winning the first game, Kamal struggled to maintain his momentum, losing the next three games. He rallied to win the fifth game but ultimately fell short in the sixth, bowing out of the competition.In contrast, Manika Batra, 29, dominated Anna Hursey of Great Britain in her round of 64 women's singles match, winning 4-1 (11-8 12-10 11-9 9-11 11-5). The 2018 Commonwealth Games champion, seeded 18th in the tournament, controlled the match from the outset, taking a 3-0 lead. Hursey managed to win the fourth game, but Batra quickly regained her composure and sealed the victory in the fifth game.Earlier, India's top-ranked woman paddler Sreeja Akula also advanced to the round of 32 with a clinical 4-0 (11-4, 11-9, 11-7, 11-8) win over Sweden's Christina Kallberg. Akula, who made history by becoming the first Indian paddler to win a WTT Contender singles title, displayed her dominance throughout the match.Manika Batra will face 12th seed Prithika Pavade of France in the round of 32 on July 31, while Sreeja Akula will take on 19th seed Sofia Polcanova of Austria on the same day.

The Indian table tennis team, bound for the Paris Olympics, is currently undergoing intensive training in Saarbrucken, Germany. The support staff accompanying the team outnumbers the players, with a total of nine members assisting the six-member playing contingent.Massimo Costantini, Italy's former head coach, has returned to lead the Indian team for the third time. He is assisted by Sourav Chakraborty, a former player who serves as the other national coach. Unusually, the government has approved four personal coaches to travel with the squad, with each member of the women's team opting for their own coach throughout the Summer Games.The support staff also includes two masseurs and a physiotherapist. The women's team comprises Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamath, who will rely on their personal coaches during their Paris campaign. Sharath Kamal, India's flag-bearer, will be accompanied by Chris Pfeiffer in the men's team, which also includes Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar.While the presence of multiple coaches may lead to a plethora of ideas, Costantini, who has been with the squad for over a month, does not perceive it as an issue. He emphasizes that the personal coaches are part of the team mechanism and that he will ultimately make the final decisions.However, only designated team coaches will have access to the field of play, while personal coaches will be restricted to observing from the stands and staying outside the Games' village.The Indian table tennis team faced controversy during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 when Manika Batra refused assistance from then-national coach Soumyadeep Roy and later accused him of match-fixing. This incident led to the suspension of the Table Tennis Federation of India due to the "sorry" state of affairs within the national sports federation.Ahead of the 2024 edition, all personal coaches have joined the Indian contingent in Saarbrucken. The team will train there until July 21 before departing for Paris. The individual events will precede the team event, in which India has secured a first-ever qualification in both categories. The seedings will be announced on Tuesday."Olympics is an event of life. The focus of the camp here is on footwork and stamina. Both mental and physical fitness is key, especially in best of seven games scenario," Costantini said. "The mind and body have to be in sync for the players to excel. We are training in a pressure-free environment," added the Italian.

Tennis Stars Predict Gold Medalists for Paris OlympicsWith the Paris Olympics fast approaching, Tennis Channel surveyed WTA and ATP stars to predict potential gold medalists in various sports beyond tennis.Pole Vault:Elena Rybakina emerged as the favorite for pole vault, receiving four votes from Paula Badosa, Aryna Sabalenka, Jelena Ostapenko, and Ons Jabeur. Jannik Sinner followed closely with three nominations from Casper Ruud, Zheng Qinwen, and Arthur Fils.Table Tennis:Andrey Rublev topped the table tennis predictions with three votes from Carlos Alcaraz, Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff. Alexander Bublik and Rafael Nadal each received two votes.Boxing:Sabalenka, Gauff, Taylor Fritz, and Ben Shelton all expressed confidence in their own abilities to win gold in boxing. Rublev and Reilly Opelka tied with two votes each.Fencing:Reilly Opelka and Alex de Minaur shared the lead in fencing with two votes each. Other notable picks included Gauff, Jabeur, and Medvedev.Gymnastics:Novak Djokovic dominated the gymnastics predictions, receiving an overwhelming 9.5 votes. Gauff, Sabalenka, and Matteo Arnaldi also received support.Other Predictions:* Swimming: Sabalenka and Gauff predicted gold for Iga Swiatek.* Archery: Ons Jabeur and Gauff chose each other.* Basketball: Medvedev selected Caroline Garcia.* Volleyball: Jasmine Paolini was Andreeva's pick.