Indian men and women’s teams started their campaign on a winning note by defeating Argentina and Nigeria, respectively in their opening matches of the World Team Table Tennis Championships here on Monday.
While Sharath Kamal-led men’s team blanked Argentina 3-0, the women came from behind to beat Nigeria.
Both Indian teams are playing in the biennial tournament’s second division where only the top-two of the 24 teams qualify for the Championships division in the next edition.
The women’s unit, ranked 25, was put under pressure by the 39-ranked Nigerian team after Madhurika Patkar lost a tight opening singles against Offion Edem 6-11 8-11 11-5 11-7 13-15.
The experienced Shamini Kumaresan levelled the tie by overcoming Olufunke Oshonaike in another match, which lasted five games. Shamini scraped through with a 6-11 11-8 11-9 10-12 11-5 victory.
Manika Batra, the Delhi—based paddler, who plays with a pimpled rubber, gave India the lead by foxing Cecilia Akpan 11—3 11—6 11—5.
Shamini, returning to action for the reverse singles, got the job done by taming Madhurika’s conqueror Edem 11—8 11—8 12—10.
The women next play Portugal on Tuesday and men face Australia.
