Saudi Smash 2024 served audiences with a sensational afternoon of shocks and surprises on Monday as some of the pre-tournament favourites were eliminated following career-best performances by inspired opposition.
Organised by the Saudi Table Tennis Federation (STTF) and World Table Tennis (WTT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport, Saudi Smash is the newest WTT Grand Smash event and one of three major tournaments in the WTT Series Calendar.
Live from King Abdullah Sports City, sports fans experienced a double dose of stunning upsets on Day 3 of Saudi Arabia’s first-ever professional table tennis event with two underdogs prevailing in true ‘David vs Goliath’ style.
First up in the Women’s Singles, Manika Batra ended Wang Manyu’s quest for successive Grand Smash titles on Table 1. A ranked outsider ahead of Saudi Smash, India’s Batra overcame the Chinese world number 2 and Singapore Smash 2024 champion in convincing fashion, sealing a last 16 place with a 3-1 victory – the tournament’s biggest upset so far.
Reflecting on her giant-killing win inside the Infinity Arena, Batra said: “I’m delighted with the win against Wang – this is a great moment for me. I’ve lost twice previously against her, but I was well-prepared, gave 100% and played at my highest level. For me, I’m enjoying Saudi Smash and this is key. Enjoyment is helping me to embrace the atmosphere and win. I’m taking it one match at a time, but today was a great win and I’m happy to be in the next round.”
More drama unfolded on Table 1 shortly after. In the very next match, audiences saw another upset – this time in the Men’s Singles Round of 64 – as Jonathan Groth beat world number 6 Lin Gaoyuan. The Danish star sealed his best-ever win on the WTT tour with a 3-1 win against China’s two-time World Team Championship gold medallist.
In the immediate aftermath, world number 27 Groth revealed: “I’m really happy to have won. Lin Gaoyuan played some of the best table tennis at the ITTF World Cup just a few weeks ago and maybe should have won the title, so I’m thrilled to play him and win when he’s in top shape. I’m happy with how I handled the crucial moments out there against a great player. I enjoyed myself today, I prepared well, and now I’m looking forward to the last 16 where another top players awaits.”
Saudi Smash Day 3 featured 36 matches in total across Men’s and Women’s Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles competitions. Aside from Grand Smash surprises, Japan’s women’s world number 5 Hina Hayata and world number 8 Miwa Harimoto were in Singles action with both booking their places in the next round.
When asked about her win and how she’s feeling as the tournament progresses, Miwa Harimoto said: “I was well-prepared before this match; I played just as I wanted to and the temperature inside the venue was perfect – I’m feeling great right now and very motivated. Saudi Smash is one the biggest competitions on the tour and I want to win as many matches as possible.”
Elsewhere on an action-packed Monday, the final match of the evening schedule saw local star Ali Alkhadrawi – Saudi Arabia’s highest-ranked player – and Egypt’s Hana Goda continue their Mixed Doubles campaign. The Arab duo ultimately bowed out against the most formidable pairing possible – China’s men’s world number 1 Wang Chuqin and women’s top seed Sun Yingsha.
Despite the result, Ali Alkhadrawi was in high spirits afterwards. Whilst discussing Saudi Smash and its implications for the next generation of table tennis talent, he said: “I’ve had the pleasure of being in singles and doubles action over the last few days and it’s been an incredible experience. However, tonight was the pinnacle. Playing against the number one players on Earth is what everyone aspires to achieve in sport. This exemplifies the opportunities being presented through Saudi Smash. What a wonderful advent for Saudi Arabia’s young and aspirational table tennis players.”
Running until May 11, Saudi Smash combines the precision and skill of the world’s best table tennis players with the dynamic and entertaining experience of a WTT Grand Smash with 240 of the world’s best men, women, and doubles athletes from 55 countries competing.
The Saudi Smash joins an incredible year-round schedule of international sports in Saudi Arabia and is a part of the Kingdom’s investment in sport, which aims to inspire its people to enjoy active and healthy lives as part of the country’s Vision 2030 cultural transformation.
From its investments in grassroots infrastructure to hosting international events – including motorsport, football, tennis, and boxing – the country’s Ministry of Sport has helped inspire a 48% increase in weekly sports participation among the local population.
Saudi Smash continues on Sunday with 41 matches sure to provide families and fans with another thrilling experience on day two of Saudi Arabia’s latest international sporting event.
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