Asian C'ship: India assured of 3rd consecutive medal, women end with bronze

The Indian men's table tennis team assured itself of its third consecutive bronze medal at Asian Championships, overcoming a gritty Kazakhstan 3-1 in the quarterfinals here on Wednesday.

The medal in the men's team event was secured after the women lost to Japan in the semifinals to end with a historic bronze.

In the men's quarterfinal, World No. 60 Manav Thakkar set the tone, delivering a stunning upset by dismantling Kazakhstan's top-ranked player, World No. 41 Kirill Gerassimenko, in a dominant 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-6) sweep.

Gerassimenko, normally a formidable opponent, struggled to contain Thakkar's aggressive style, handing India an early lead.

Kazakhstan's Alan Kurmangaliyev (No. 183) struck back swiftly, defeating Harmeet Desai 3-0 (11-6, 11-5, 11-8) with a relentless attacking display, levelling the tie at 1-1. Desai, visibly out of rhythm, was overwhelmed by Alan's pace and aggression.

Veteran Sharath Kamal, India's table tennis icon, stepped up in the third match, easing