Manika Batra advances to round of 16 with 3-1 win over U-19 champion Lee Eunhye in Table tennis

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra delivered a calm and disciplined performance to overcome South Korea’s Lee Eunhye 3-1 in the Women’s Singles Round of 32 on January 16, 2026, at the Lusail Sports Arena in Doha. The win secured Batra a spot in the Round of 16 after a closely fought contest that demanded patience, tactical awareness, and mental toughness.

The match, played on Table 1, lasted nearly 40 minutes and unfolded over four competitive games. Batra emerged victorious with scores of 12-10, 11-9, 8-11, and 11-5. Although the final score suggests a comfortable result, the opening stages were intensely competitive, with both players pushing each other on crucial points.

Lee Eunhye started strongly, using aggressive shot-making and precise placement to seize the early initiative in the first game. Batra was forced to play catch-up, but her experience came to the fore as she gradually found her rhythm. Mixing her forehand variations with well-disguised serves, the Indian unsettled Lee’s timing. Locked at 10–10, Batra stayed composed to win the final two points and take the opening game.

The second game followed a similar script, with long rallies and narrow margins separating the two players. Lee tried to increase the tempo by targeting Batra’s backhand, but Batra responded intelligently, slowing the rallies when required and using higher topspin to regain control. Once again, she proved decisive in the closing exchanges, edging the game 11-9 to establish a 2-0 lead.

With her tournament hopes on the line, Lee raised her intensity in the third game. She attacked more assertively on return and looked to finish points early, putting Batra under sustained pressure. The Korean built a mid-game lead, and despite a brief fightback from Batra, Lee closed out the game 11-8 to reduce the deficit.

The fourth game marked a clear shift in momentum. After conceding the previous game, Batra took an early timeout to reset her approach. The adjustment was evident immediately. She tightened her service patterns, pushed the ball deeper into Lee’s forehand, and seized control of the rallies. Batra surged ahead, forcing errors and limiting Lee’s attacking options.

As confidence grew, Batra varied spin and pace effectively, dictating play and keeping her opponent on the defensive. Lee struggled to regain her earlier momentum, and Batra closed out the game convincingly at 11-5 to seal a 3-1 victory.