Table Tennis
India falls short to USA in ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2024 Opener
India endured a tough start to the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2024, losing 3-8 to a dominant USA team in the group stage opener in Chengdu, China.
Indian Mixed Team is taking on the USA in their opening fixture of the 2024 ITTF Mixed Team World Cup. (Photo Credits: SAI Media)
The Indian mixed table tennis team had a challenging outing in their opening tie of the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup 2024, losing 3-8 to the USA mixed team in Chengdu, China, on Sunday.
Despite spirited performances, the Indian side struggled to capitalize on key moments, making it a tough start to their campaign.
The tie began with the mixed doubles clash, where the Indian duo of Snehit Suravajjula and Poymantee fought hard but fell 1-2 to the American pair of Nandan and Tiffany.
Although the Indian team managed to push the opening game into a deuce, a series of errors in the latter stages allowed the USA to secure the match.
In the women’s singles, Yashaswini Ghorpade displayed promise, managing to win a game against Sally Moyland. However, Moyland's consistent attacking play saw her claim the match 2-1. Yashaswini’s down-the-line smashes and aggressive play were notable highlights but were not enough to turn the tide.
Jeet Chandra took on Xiangjing Zhang in the men’s singles, showing resilience and earning a game for India. Jeet started strong, gaining an early lead in the third game with sharp forehand smashes, but Zhang's defensive skills and precise returns secured the USA’s victory in this matchup, ending 2-1.
The deciding men’s doubles match saw Snehit and Jeet take on the experienced pair of Jishan and Zhang.
Despite a brief lead in the second game, the Indian duo faltered under pressure, losing 0-2 as the USA clinched the tie with an 8-3 overall score.
