Commonwealth Games: Indian women finish fourth in table tennis

India finished fourth in the women’s table tennis team event here on Sunday, losing 3-1 to Australia in the bronze-medal match.

The Indians were pushed to the backfoot straightway as top player K. Shamini was outclassed by hard-hitting Zhang Ziyu 5-11, 11-2, 11-6, 11-9 in the opening match.

However, they made a strong comeback when Manika Batra won the second singles against Fang Jian Lay 11-5, 8-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-7.

Shamini and Madhurika raised hopes as they took the first and third sets in the doubles tie against Lay and Miao but the Aussies tightened the game to clinch the fourth and fifth sets and thus the tie.

Madhurika tried her best in the reverse singles against Ziya but the Australian negated the 2-1 lead held by the Indian and went on to win 11-9, 5-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9.

India was outclassed by Singapore 3-1 in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

In the men’s section, India advanced to the semifinals setting aside Scotland’s challenge 3-0 and will meet England next.