Pune: India made an authoritative start to their group-stage campaign at London’s Cooper Box Arena, cruising to a 3–0 victory over Tunisia in Group 7 with a series of commanding individual performances in the World Team Table Tennis Championships on the opening day.
Manush Shah gave India the early edge, defeating Wassim Essid 11-5, 9-11, 11-3, 11-5, briefly dropping the second game before regaining control with sharp attacking play. Manav Thakkar then extended the lead undoubtedly, overwhelming Yousef Aidli 11-3, 11-3, 11-3 in a one-sided contest. Harmeet Desai wrapped up the tie with a composed display, beating Aboubaker Bourass 11-5, 11-4, 11-8 to seal a comprehensive win for the Indian side.
In the women’s Group 6 encounter, India were awarded a 3–0 walkover after Uganda failed to report, allowing the team to register a win without stepping onto the court.
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