Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah flipped a two-set deficit into a stunning victory, storming into the men’s doubles quarterfinals at the Europe Smash 2026 in Sweden.
The Indian duo, currently ranked third globally, faced Spain’s 45th-ranked pair D. Bersoza and J. Perez in a second-round clash that initially seemed headed for an upset. Down 0-2 after lopsided opening games, Thakkar and Shah mounted a comeback that reshaped the match entirely.
Spain controlled the early exchanges, taking the first set 11-5 and the second 11-6. The Indian paddlers appeared rattled. Then the momentum shifted. Thakkar and Shah claimed the third game 11-4, a result that reignited their confidence and changed the on-table dynamic.
From there, the world No. 3 pair never looked back. They secured the fourth set 11-8 before dismantling their opponents 11-3 in the decisive fifth game. The 3-2 victory booked their quarterfinal berth and extended India’s strong showing at the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Indian contingent has delivered elsewhere in Sweden too. Diya Chitale advanced to the women’s singles Round of 32 after defeating compatriot Sreeja Akula. The 16-year-old Syndrela Das, partnering with a Slovakian player, continues to impress in women’s doubles.
As a result, India’s table tennis squad finds itself in far better standing at the Europe Smash compared to its earlier WTT Champions Yokohama campaign. The quarterfinal matchup now awaits Thakkar and Shah, with a semifinal spot within reach.
