India's Ayhika, Sutirtha get historic 1st ever medal in women's doubles

Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee achieved another first for Indian table tennis by assuring themselves of a medal at the Asian Championships here on Saturday.

The Mukherjees, who had beaten the world champions from China on way to a historic bronze at Asian Games last year, bounced back to beat South Korean of Kim Nayeong and Lee Eunhye 10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 11-8 in the quarterfinals here.

The world number 15 pair from India faces Japan's Miwa Harimoto and Miyuu Kishara in the semifinals on Sunday. The final is also scheduled for Sunday.

Ayhika plays with an anti-spin rubber that helps her slow down the game for Sutirtha, who uses a short pimpled rubber, to attack on the following return.

Manav, Manush stun higher-ranked South Koreans

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In the men's singles, Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah exceeded expectations to reach the pre-quarterfinals.

Manav, ranked 60th, recorded one of the biggest wins of his career by upsetting world number 14 Jang Wooji