Sreeja Akula wins women’s singles title at WTT Feeder Beirut II 2024

The WTT Feeder Beirut II 2024 table tennis tournament concluded on a high note for some Indian paddlers, with Sreeja Akula claiming the coveted women’s singles title. This victory marks a significant milestone for the 25-year-old, solidifying her position as a rising star in the sport.

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Akula’s path to victory wasn’t without challenges. Her final match against Luxembourg’s Sarah De Nutte showcased her resilience and tactical prowess. After dropping the first game 6-11, Akula displayed remarkable composure, clawing her way back to win the next three games (12-10, 11-5, 11-9). This gritty performance not only secured her the title but also highlighted her ability to perform under pressure.

News Flash: Sreeja Akula WINS WTT Feeder Beirut II Singles title 🏆

Sreeja did it in style beating former World Championships medalist (Doubles) Sarah De Nutte 3-1 in Final. #WTTBeirut pic.twitter.com/2NQoc7Utrf

— India_AllSports (@India_AllSports) March 24, 2024

This win holds even greater significance as it’s Akula’s second WTT singles title in 2024. Earlier this year, she emerged victorious at the Feeder Corpus Christi in Texas, demonstrating her consistent form and rapid improvement on the international stage.

However, the Indian campaign at the Beirut tournament wasn’t without setbacks. Akula, partnering with Diya Chitale, fell short in the women’s doubles final. The Indian duo faced a determined Hong Kong China pair of Doo Hoi Kem and Zhu Chengzhu, ultimately losing 3-1 (4-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-6). While a close contest, the Indians couldn’t quite overcome their opponents’ overall dominance.

India found success in the mixed doubles category. The young pair of Poymantee Baisya and Akash Pal defied expectations by defeating the more experienced pairing of Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra. Baisya and Pal displayed exceptional coordination and strategic play, ultimately securing a convincing 3-1 (11-9, 7-11, 11-9, 11-0) victory. This win marks a significant accomplishment for the young duo, showcasing their potential as a formidable mixed doubles team.

On the men’s side, India’s G Sathiyan couldn’t quite replicate Akula’s success in the singles competition. Sathiyan faced a strong challenge from Kazakhstan’s Kirill Gerassimenko, ultimately losing the final 3-0 (11-9, 13-11, 11-9). While a slight disappointment, Sathiyan’s performance throughout the tournament deserves recognition.

However, the men’s team found redemption in the doubles category. The pairing of Manush Shah and Manav Thakkar displayed exceptional teamwork and tactical awareness throughout the tournament. Their dominance culminated in a convincing 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6) victory against their Indian teammates Mudit Dani and Akash Pal. This win highlights the depth of talent within the Indian men’s doubles contingent.

The WTT Feeder Beirut II served as a valuable platform for Indian paddlers to showcase their skills and compete against international opponents. While the results were mixed, Sreeja Akula’s emphatic singles victory and the triumphs in both mixed and men’s doubles provide a positive outlook for the future. As these young Indian players gain more experience on the international circuit, they have the potential to become major forces in the world of table tennis.