China Smash 2026: Manav Thakkar beats Simon Gauzy, set to meet Alexis Lebrun; Manika upsets World No. 27

FILE PHOTO: Manav will face France’s Alexis Lebrun next. | Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

Indian paddler Manav Thakkar recovered from being two games down to beat French veteran Simon Gauzy 3-2 to enter the second round at the ongoing China Smash in Beijing.

Manav, ranked 50th in the world, lost the first two games 9-11, 9-11, but mounted a tremendous comeback against the World No. 28 to clinch the next three games 11-7, 11-5, 12-10.

In the Round of 32, the India has an uphill task of besting seventh seed and World No. 8 Alexis Lebrun, also of France, on Wednesday. Lebrun enters the second round after beating Poland’s Milosz Redzimski 3-1.

Meanwhile in the women’s singles competition, Manika Batra — who failed to make the cut for the recently concluded Asian Games 2026 — upset World No. 27 Bruna Takahashi of Brazil 3-2 (8-11, 11-8, 11-9, 5-11, 12-10). The World No. 50 Indian, who entered the main draw as a wildcard, will face Chinese top seed and World No. 2 Wang Manyu later on Tuesday in the second round.

Manav was part of the Indian contingent which featured at the Asiad, but couldn’t return with a medal. India’s sole table tennis medal was clinched by Manush Shah and Diya Chitale, who bagged bronze in mixed doubles.