Bhubaneswar, October 12 — 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Team Table Tennis Championships, Kalinga Stadium Indoor Athletics Centre. For more details, visit ITTF Asia.
What appeared to be a balanced men’s quarterfinal between India and Hong Kong (China) on paper turned into a surprisingly one-sided contest at the 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Team Table Tennis Championships held at the Kalinga Stadium Indoor Athletics Centre. Despite India’s higher world team ranking at No. 4, Hong Kong, placed No. 6, played with greater purpose and composure to register a dominant 3–0 win and secure a place in the medal rounds.
The much-anticipated encounter, expected to test both teams equally, quickly slipped away from the Indians as Hong Kong displayed superior discipline, tactical awareness, and mental steadiness throughout. India, which had secured bronze medals in the previous three editions, failed to mount a real challenge this time, their resistance proving both brief and ineffective.
“Full credit to Hong Kong, especially the way the three played, keeping their cool at tense moments and finishing crucial points well, unlike the Indian paddlers, who had their moments and failed to grab them. With pressure mounting on each player after that, they could not sustain and wilted. Yet, I would say, it is a young team, and they will learn from their mistakes,” said Massimo Costantini, India’s foreign expert.
Wong Chun Ting, Hong Kong’s top player ranked 48th in the world, set the tone by comfortably defeating India’s left-hander Manush Shah in straight games. Wong’s fluent stroke play and controlled attacking shots left Manush searching for answers. Although the Indian had fleeting opportunities in the second and third games, including a deuce in the final one, he was unable to capitalise, allowing Wong to close out the match 11–5, 11–9, 13–11.
Manav Thakkar, India’s most experienced player (ranked 39th), was up next against Chan Baldwin. Despite being higher ranked, Manav fell behind early as Chan exploited angles effectively and handled the rallies with confidence. Manav recovered after dropping the first two games to win the next two and level the contest, but his rhythm faltered in the deciding game and Chan sealed the match to give Hong Kong a 2–0 lead.
With India’s hopes hanging by a thread, young Ankur Bhattacharjee started positively in the third rubber against Lam Siu Hang, claiming the opening game and fighting hard thereafter. The two exchanged games closely, with Ankur edging the third 14–12, but Lam’s experience and composure made the difference in crucial moments. Lam tightened his control in the fifth game to complete the victory and deliver Hong Kong’s third consecutive win, confirming a clean 3–0 sweep.
In another men’s quarterfinal, Japan defeated the Republic of Korea 3–1. Tomokazu Harimoto (No. 4) overcame An Jaehyun (No. 13) 3–0, while Sora Matsushima survived a tough five-game battle against Cho Daeseong. Korea will now play India for fifth place in the classification round.
The Results (Quarterfinals)
| Match | Score / Details |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong (China) bt India | 3–0 Wong Chun Ting bt Manush Shah 11–5, 11–9, 13–11 Chan Baldwin bt Manav Thakkar 11–8, 11–8, 10–12, 9–11, 11–8 Lam Siu Hang bt Ankur Bhattacharjee 7–11, 11–9, 12–14, 11–6, 11–7 |
| Japan bt Korea | 3–1 Tomokazu Harimoto bt An Jaehyun 11–9, 13–11, 11–7 Sora Matsushima bt Cho Daeseong 14–12, 10–12, 4–11, 11–8, 11–4 Shunsuke Togami lost to Oh Junsung 7–11, 5–11, 8–11 Harimoto bt An 11–5, 11–9, 11–6 |
Korea will now face India for fifth place in the classification round.