Can Sarthak-Hardee Upset Third Seeds Snehit-Sayali? Anusha Beats Nitya in Women's Singles
Synopsis
In a thrilling day at the WTT Feeder Series, Sarthak Arya and Hardee Patel stunned their opponents, Snehit Suravajjula and Sayali Wani, while Anusha Kutumbale triumphed over veteran Nithya Mani. With more action on the horizon, the competition intensifies at the SAMA Indoor Sports Complex. Stay tuned for more updates!
Key Takeaways
Sarthak Arya and Hardee Patel achieved a significant upset in mixed doubles.
Anusha Kutumbale demonstrated resilience by defeating experienced player Nithya Mani .
The tournament is hosted at the SAMA Indoor Sports Complex in Vadodara.
Group stage performances are crucial for advancing to knockout rounds.
Emerging talents are making their mark in the competitive landscape of table tennis.
Vadodara, Jan 7 (NationPress) The duo of Sarthak Arya and Hardee Patel caused a major upset by defeating the third-seeded pair of Snehit Suravajjula and Sayali Wani with scores of 5-11, 11-9, 11-9, 9-11, and 12-10, thereby securing a place in the second round of the mixed doubles qualifying. Additionally, Anusha Kutumbale triumphed over the seasoned Nithya Mani in Group 2 of the women’s singles qualifying, keeping her hopes alive for a knockout position in the WTT Feeder Series 2026 held at the SAMA Indoor Sports Complex on Wednesday.
This inaugural edition of the WTT Feeder Series in Vadodara is proudly presented by the Sports Authority of Gujarat and is organized by the Table Tennis Association of Baroda with implementation by UTT.
During the women’s singles group stage, Anusha showcased remarkable composure in the final game after Nithya rallied back from two games down, ultimately concluding the match with scores of 11-5, 11-4, 9-11, 8-11, and 13-11 in Group 2. Nithya had previously defeated Sammridhi Banik with scores of 12-10, 11-9, 8-11, and 11-9 in her other group match, making it crucial for Anusha to win her next match on Thursday to advance to the knockout stage.
In another notable performance, Selena Selvakumar secured her knockout position from Group 1 after winning both of her group matches, while wildcard entrant Tanishka Kalbhairav is leading in Group 5 after clinching two victories. Groups 5 and 6 consist of four players each, with only the top finisher moving forward to the main draw.
In the men’s singles group stage, players Kumar Harshit, Sriram Sivam, Abhilash Raval, Balamurugan Rajasekaran, and Mehan Senthil have assured their places in the knockout rounds after winning both their matches.
Earlier, the youthful pair of Dhairya Parmar and Anusha Kutumbale overcame Rajiv Sahu and Pranati Ramesh with scores of 11-5, 5-11, 12-10, 9-11, and 11-8 in the first round of mixed doubles qualifying, and they are now set to face the second seeds, Abhinandh Pradhivadhi and Nithya Mani.
Point of View
I view the WTT Feeder Series as a pivotal platform for emerging talents in table tennis. The recent upsets signal a shifting dynamic in the sport, showcasing the depth of skills present in newer players. This trend not only elevates the competition but also enhances the overall narrative of sports in our nation.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WTT Feeder Series?
The WTT Feeder Series is a competitive table tennis event designed to provide opportunities for emerging players to showcase their talents and gain experience on an international stage.
Where is the WTT Feeder Series being held?
The WTT Feeder Series is currently taking place at the SAMA Indoor Sports Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
Who are the notable players in the current tournament?
Notable players include Sarthak Arya, Hardee Patel, Anusha Kutumbale, Nithya Mani, and Selena Selvakumar, among others.
How can players qualify for the knockout stage?
Players must perform well in their group matches, with the top finishers advancing to the knockout rounds based on their match results.
What is the significance of this tournament for players?
This tournament serves as an important stepping stone for players to gain exposure, improve their rankings, and potentially qualify for higher-level competitions.
