Thakkar, Shah Reach Singapore Smash Semis
Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah became the first Indian pair to reach the men’s doubles semifinals at the Singapore Smash on Friday, securing a landmark result on the WTT circuit.
The Indian duo produced a composed performance in the quarterfinals, defeating their higher-ranked opponents in straight games to script history at the prestigious event. Their aggressive returns and sharp coordination at the net proved decisive in key moments.
“This is a special win for us and for Indian table tennis,” Thakkar said after the match. Shah added, “We stayed calm under pressure and trusted our game.”
A national coach praised their maturity, noting, “They handled big points with confidence.”
The breakthrough highlights India’s growing presence on the global stage, with Thakkar and Shah now one win away from a historic final appearance in Singapore.