Sathiyan breaks into top-30

G Sathiyan has become the first Indian table tennis player to enter the top 30 in world rankings. The 26-year-old engineer climbed three spots to 28 in the latest International Table Tennis Federation ranking in men's singles.

Sathiyan surpassed Sharath Kamal as the top Indian in world rankings. Nine-time national champion Sharath was placed 33rd, after losing three spots.

Sathiyan, who had agonisingly lost to Sarath Kamal in the final of National Championships, has had an impressive 2018. He played his part in India fetching medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games besides creating a few upsets on the tour, reaching the round of 16 in three World Tour events.

Manika Batra, also entered top 50, becoming the first Indian woman paddler to achieve the feat. She climbed four places to career-best World No 47.