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Snehit Saves 6 Match Points in Epic WTT Chennai Upset Over Oikawa

Indian paddler Snehit Suravajjula staged a remarkable comeback, saving six match points in the fifth game to defeat Japan's 13th seed Mizuki Oikawa 3-2. The thrilling victory, sealed 18-16 in the decider, books his place in the men's singles pre-quarterfinals. Snehit revealed he focused on one point at a time to overcome the intense pressure. In other results, the Indian pairs of Sathiyan G/Harmeet Desai and Payas Jain/Syndrela Das also scored significant upsets to reach their respective doubles semifinals.

Key Points: Snehit's Epic Comeback Stuns Seed at WTT Star Contender Chennai

  • Epic 18-16 decider win
  • Saved six match points
  • Fought back from 0-2 deficit
  • Sets up clash vs top seed
2 min read

WTT Star Contender Chennai 2026: Snehit saves six match points to stun 13th seed Oikawa, enters pre-quarters

Snehit Suravajjula saved six match points to beat 13th seed Mizuki Oikawa 3-2, advancing to the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2026 pre-quarterfinals.

"I was just telling myself to focus on one point at a time and not think of the score - Snehit Suravajjula"

Chennai, February 13

Snehit Suravajjula saved six match points in the decider to upset 13th seed Mizuki Oikawa of Japan to reach the men's singles pre-quarterfinals of the World Table Tennis Star Contender Chennai 2026 at the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University here on Friday.

Snehit first fought back from a 0-2 deficit to take the match in the decider and then displayed nerves of steel to convert his third match point to win 3-2 (9-11, 15-17, 11-4, 11-6, 18-16) in 52 minutes to set up a Round of 16 clash against top seed Oh Junsung, as per a press release.

Explaining what was going on in his mind during the business end of the fifth game, Snehit said, "I was just telling myself to focus on one point at a time and not think of the score as I made mistakes on the first two match points."

The 25-year-old said he went into the match without many expectations, but the first two games he lost actually gave him the confidence that he could put up a fight. "I lost the first game 9-11, and I was struggling to believe that I could match his level. Then I lost the second game, which was also close, but that gave me confidence to win the next," he added.

Earlier, the experienced men's doubles combination of Sathiyan G and Harmeet Desai upset the third-seeded French combination of Florian Bourrassaud and Esteban Dorr 3-0 (11-7, 11-9, 11-7) to reach the semifinals. They will now face Korean second seeds Lim Jonghoon and Oh Junsung for a place in the final.

Meanwhile, wildcard entrants Payas Jain and Syndrela Das upset top seeds Manush Shah and Diya Chitale 3-1 (12-10, 13-11, 10-12, 11-9) to reach the mixed doubles semifinals.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So proud that Chennai is hosting such a big event! The local crowd support must have been amazing. Sathiyan and Harmeet's win is also fantastic. A great day for Indian TT overall. 🏓
R
Rohit P
Respect to Snehit for his mindset. "Focus on one point at a time" - that's a lesson for all of us, not just in sports. The mixed doubles upset is also a big deal. Youngsters are stepping up!
M
Michael C
Watching from the US. That 18-16 score in the decider is insane! The match must have been a nail-biter. Great to see Indian players performing so well on the world stage. Good luck in the next round.
S
Shreya B
While the win is fantastic, I hope the media doesn't put too much pressure on Snehit now. He said he went in without expectations and that worked. Let him play his natural game against the top seed. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
The depth is improving! Wins in men's singles, men's doubles, and an upset in mixed doubles. We need consistent performances like this to challenge China and Korea. More power to all the players!

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