Paddlers march into third round of World meet

India’s men and women teams advanced to the third round of the World Table Tennis Team Championships after notching up constrasting wins in the second round, here on Monday.

The Indian men’s team ran into Turkey on Monday and it was a quiet affair in the second round.

Achanta Sharath Kamal took on Ibrahim Gunduz and won the opening rubber 11-5, 11-5, 11-7, Soumyajit Ghosh then defeated Gencay Menge 11-8, 11-6, 11-7 in the second singles.

Anthony Amalraj after losing the first game brushed aside his rustiness and overcame Abdullah Yigenler 11-3, 11-4, 11-6, 11-7.

As for the women’s team, Indian paddler Mouma disappointed when she opened it for India against Adriana Diaz.

Adriana, despite losing the first game, steadied herself before taking a firm grip over the diminutive Mouma.

Adriana was not only deceptive but also very quick as she finished off the second game, allowing just two points to Mouma. In the end, Adriana notched up a 5-11, 11-2, 11-7, 11-9 win over Mouma.

However, Shamini, playing her role to perfection, neutralised their rivals’ advantage to beat Melaine Dias 12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 11-5 and the Madhurika, playing her first match, easily downed Daniely Rios 11-4, 11-9, 11-7 to keep India’s hopes alive.

With Shamini slated to take on Adriana in her reverse singles, it was always going to be dicey.

But the Indian, hitting a great form and tackling her opponent with her guile, outwitted their No. 1 player.

Shamini won 11-7, 13-11, 8-11, 11-8 to see India through to the third round where they will clash with Portugal next.