PARIS, JULY 28 : India’s Manika Batra surged into the second round of the Paris Olympic badminton event with a 4-1 victory over Great Britain’s Anna Hursey on Sunday. In a match that showcased her exceptional skill and tenacity, Manika’s performance was nothing short of a masterclass.

From the outset, Manika commanded the table, taking the first game 11-8 with a series of precise backhand shots that left Hursey scrambling. The second game was a nail-biter, with both players exchanging fierce rallies and committing errors, but Manika’s relentless aggression secured a thrilling 12-10 win.

Hursey attempted a comeback in the third game, briefly taking the lead. However, Manika’s top-spin forehand proved too formidable, clinching the game 11-9. The fourth game saw Hursey find her rhythm, exploiting Manika’s backhand weakness to snatch an 11-9 win, hinting at a possible upset.

But any hopes Hursey had of overturning the match were swiftly dashed in the fifth game. Manika, displaying nerves of steel and unwavering focus, dominated the game with an 11-5 finish, sealing her victory and advancing to the next round with a triumphant roar.
Earlier in the day, Sreeja Akula set the tone with an impeccable 4-0 victory in her first-round match, showcasing her own brand of brilliance and advancing smoothly to the next stage. In contrast, veteran Sharath Kamal faced a heart-wrenching battle in his opening match. Despite his best efforts, he bowed out with a first-round defeat, marking the end of his Olympic journey in the singles category.

As the day progresses, all eyes are on Harmeet Desai, who is set to compete in his round of 64 match later tonight. The excitement is palpable, and hopes are high for another Indian triumph.(UNI)