Indian men's and women's table tennis teams advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the Asian Games with comprehensive 3-0 victory over Nepal and Tajikistan respectively in Group F matches here on Saturday. Indian women topped the group with two wins in as many matches, and they will face Thailand in the round of 16. (Schedule | Full Coverage | Sports News)
The men also emulated their women counterparts while blanking Tajikistan to top the Group F with an all-win record.
Indian women, who had on Friday beaten Singapore, started the match against Nepal on a winning note with Diya Chitale brushing aside Sikka Shreshta 11-1, 11-6, 11-8.
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Ayhika Mukherjee doubled India's lead with a 11-3, 11-7, 11-2 victory over Nabita Shreshta.
Sutirtha Mukherjee then sealed it in India’s favour when she outclassed Evana Thapa 11-1, 11-5, 11-2.
Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula were rested for this round.
The Indian men, who had earlier defeated Yemen and Singapore, were equally dominant against the Tajik side despite veterans G Sathiyan and A Sharath Kamal not playing.
Manav Thakar gave them a good start while beating Afzalkhon Mahmudov 11-8, 11-5, 11-8.
Manush Shah maintained the tempo with a 13-11, 11-7, 11-5 victory over Ubaydullo Sultonov as India took a 2-0 lead.
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Harmeet Desai applied finishing touches with an easy 11-1, 11-3, 11-5 win over Ibrokhim Ismoilzoda.
