Gold for Manav Thakkar

With the five-day tournament coming to a close, front-runner Manav Thakkar, who was part of the Shaze Challengers team in the inaugural edition of CEAT UTT took the lead by winning two golds and one silver. The young Indian paddlers bagged eight medals in total including three golds, three silvers and two bronze medals at the ITTF Junior Circuit Slovenia Open.

Manav Thakkar defeated Japanese paddler Takeru Kashiwa and emerged successful in straight games (11-6, 11-3, 11-6) in the final and won the gold in the Junior Boys’ category at the ITTF Junior Circuit Slovenia Junior and Cadet Open. To add icing to the cake, Thakkar finished as the most successful player of the tournament by winning gold in the doubles category as well, partnering with Manush Utpalbhai Shah. Manav also won the silver in the team event for India.

Selena bags bronze

Selena Selvakumar from Oilmax-Stag Yoddhas, who took part in the Junior Girls’ singles category, was just a step away from the final. After the first loss against Hong Kong’s Wong Chin Sau 14-16, she took the lead in the next three with a score of 11-3, 11-9, 11-8. But unfortunately, she went on to lose the next three 5-11, 9-11, 4-11. Selena came away from the tournament with a much-earned bronze medal.