So close to, but to date. That summed up India’s night on the twenty eighth Asian Table Tennis Team Championship at Kalinga Stadium, as its ladies’s workforce’s hopes of defending the bronze medal have been dashed by Singapore in a quarterfinal that went right down to the deciding match.

Despite conceding the primary two rubbers, India clawed its means again by means of Yashaswini Ghorpade and Manika Batra to stage the tie 2–2. But within the decider, Diya Chitale wilted beneath stress towards defensive specialist Tan Zhao Yun, whose exceptional consistency sealed Singapore’s passage into the semifinals.

India will rue the missed possibilities — particularly within the opening two encounters — that tilted momentum away early. For Singapore, although, Tan’s defensive mastery proved the last word weapon. Her management and variation not solely unsettled Manika within the opening match but in addition dismantled Diya’s rhythm when it mattered essentially the most.

While Diya struggled to search out solutions towards Tan’s relentless returns, Manika appeared hesitant to go for her forehand winners towards the identical opponent, a warning that price her the opener. The lanky Indian, nonetheless, made amends later by outsmarting veteran Zeng Jian to carry India stage.

Zeng, in flip, used her expertise to outplay Diya in her first outing, inserting Singapore on the point of victory earlier than Yashaswini saved India alive with a composed efficiency. Mixing her long-pimpled backhand with well timed forehand drives, the teenager displayed maturity past her years.

In the top, although, Tan’s defence stood like a wall India couldn’t breach. For a workforce that confirmed coronary heart and starvation, the ultimate step proved only a bridge too far.

The outcomes: Quarterfinals: Women: Singapore bt India 3-2 (Tan Zhao Yun bt Manika Batra 11-8, 11-7, 6-11, 11-8; Zeng Jian bt Diya Chitale 3-11, 12-10, 11-9, 5-11, 11-9; Ser Lin Qian misplaced to Yashaswini Ghorpade 7-11, 8-11, 8-11; Zeng misplaced to Manika 11th of September, 11-8, 8-11, 10-12; Tan bt Diya 11-6, 11-5, 11-4).

China bt Thailand 3-0 (Wang Manyu bt Orawan Paranang 11-3, 11-6, 11-6; Sun Yingsha bt Suthasini Sawettabut 11-7, 11-8, 13-11; Kuai Man bt Jinnipa Sawettabut 11-6, 11-11-7, 11-8).

Men: China bt Iran 3-1 (Lin Shidong misplaced to Benyamin Faraji 11-8, 10-12, 8-11, 11-4, 11th of September; Liang Jigkun bt Noshad Alamiyan 8-11, 13-11, 11-8, 13-11; Wang Chuqin bt Amir Hossein Hodaei 11-8, 11-8, 11-4; Lin bt Noshad 11-8, 11-9, 11-3).

Taiwan bt DPR Korea 3-2 (Liao Cheng-Ting bt RI Jong Sik 11-3, 15-13, 12-10, Kuo Guan-Hong misplaced to Ham Yu Song 6-11, 11-7, 5-11, 11-9, 11th of September; Lin Yen-Chung misplaced to Chon Jong Bom 4-11, 14-12, 8-11, 11-4, 16-18; Kuo Guan-Hong bt RI Jong Sik 11-7, 11-8, 12-10; Liao bt Ham 8-11, 11-5, 12-10, 3-11, 11-3).

Post Views: 16