Manika Batra's flawless execution played a pivotal role in India's remarkable 3-2 victory over fourth-seed Romania as the women's table-tennis team — marking their debut entry in the Olympics — advanced to the quarterfinals.
Action at the South Paris Arena saw a thrill-a-minute round-of-16 clash between 11th-ranked India and experienced Romania. While India raced away with a handy 2-0 lead, Romania fought their way back to bring parity at 2-2 by winning the third and fourth singles ties.
With the pressure mounting, India's fate rested on the shoulders of the 28th ranked Manika. The 29-year-old rose to the occasion, delivering a flawless performance in the deciding match and clinching victory without dropping a single game. The entertaining round-of-16 clash lasted for two hours and 20 minutes. Manika raced to her mates for a hug after winning the decider 11-5, 11-9, 11-9 against lower-ranked Adina Diaconu.
In the quarterfinal, India will face the winner of Germany and USA.
Earlier, Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath gave India a flying start. In the doubles opener, the Indian duo prevailed over Diaconu and Elizabeta Samara 11-9, 12-10, 11-7. Manika stretched India's lead to 2-0 when she surprised world No. 10 Bernadette Szocs 11-5, 11-7, 11-7 in just 22 minutes. World No. 25 Sreeja fought well but went down fighting against 43rd-ranked Elizabeta Samara. Sreeja lost the 39-minute tie 11-8, 4-11, 11-7, 6-11, 8-11. Szocs then defeated Archana 11-5, 8-11, 11-7, 11-9 as Romania levelled the scores.
