India paddler Sreeja Akula lost in the round of 16 in Table Tennis women's singles against world number one Sun Yingsha of China in her third match of the Paris Olympics 2024 on August 1, Thursday. India's challenge in both men's and women's table tennis singles events is over. In men's Harmeet Desai was eliminated in the round of 32 while Indian flag bearer Sharath Kamal was eliminated in the first round. However, Akula and Manika will now be seen playing in the women's team event.
Akula gave a tough fight in the first game
In the first game, Sreeja Akula performed brilliantly against world number one Sun Yingsha and at one time equalled the score to 5-5. After this, Akula continued her strong game and at one time she was ahead 10-6. But then world number one Yingsha showed that she is no less than anyone and by scoring points continuously, she turned the tables by defeating Akula 12-10 in the first game.
World number one maintained dominance
After winning the first game, Akula also took the lead in the second game but Yingsha came back from behind to win the second game 12-10 and the third game 11-8 and the fourth game 11-3, thus ending Akula's journey 4-0.
Manika also got a shock
Manika became the first player from India to play a round of 16 match in the Olympic table tennis event. But Japan's eighth-seeded player Miyu Hirono defeated her 4-1 and knocked her out. With this, Manika's journey also came to an end.
Manika lost two consecutive sets
After taking a 2-1 lead, the Japanese player was at one point ahead 5-2 in the fourth set. But Manika again made a comeback and made the score 6-6. But in the end, the Japanese paddler made a comeback and won the fourth set 11-8 and took a 3-1 lead. While in the fifth set as well, the Japanese player maintained dominance and won 11-6 to win the match 4-1.
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