Main Draw Day 3 of the Saudi Smash 2024 delivered an exhilarating spectacle of table tennis prowess, setting the stage alight with unprecedented upsets and heroic performances. Noshad Alamiyan, ranked No. 68 globally, stole the spotlight by defeating fourth seed Liang Jingkun in a stunning upset.
Meanwhile, the tournament witnessed dramatic victories, including Manika Batra’s remarkable triumph over Wang Manyu and Jonathan Groth’s career-best win against Lin Gaoyuan. The day ended with a string of surprises as Ma Long and other top seeds were ousted, proving that in the world of table tennis, expect the unexpected. Each match contributed to a thrilling narrative of resilience and unpredictability at the Infinity ∞ Arena in Jeddah.
For full details of yesterday’s action-packed sessions, please refer to the media notes attached.
Headlines from Main Draw Day 3 (6 May 2024)
Day 3 was the day of Saudi shocks as 5 seeds in Men’s Singles and 2 seeds in Women’s Singles were eliminated in the R32.
Manika Batra (IND) produced the biggest win of the day, knocking out 2nd seed, World No.2 and Singapore Smash 2024 champion Wang Manyu (CHN) 3-1 (6-11, 11-5, 11-7, 12-10). The victory was the highest ranked opponent a player from Indian has ever defeated in Women’s Singles.
Qualifier Noshad Alamiyan (IRI) eliminated 4th seed Liang Jingkun (CHN) 3-2 (12-14, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5).
Men’s Doubles Host Wildcards Ali Alkhadrawi (KSA) /Hana Goda (EGY) went down in the Mixed Doubles round of 16 to top seeds Wang Chuqin/Sun Yingsha (CHN) 3-0 (11-7, 11-6, 11-7).
Video Highlights
Highlights from Day 03 (06 May 2024) Part 1:
https://media.archive.worldtabletennis.com/record/~9f6ebf39f2
Highlights from Day 03 (06 May 2024) Part 2:
https://media.archive.worldtabletennis.com/record/~2577b0cf18
Highlights from Day 03 (06 May 2024) Part 3:
https://media.archive.worldtabletennis.com/record/~95e17120d2
Highlights from Day 03 (06 May 2024) Part 4:
https://media.archive.worldtabletennis.com/record/~c6ae95931f
Keep the excitement rolling – here’s what’s in store for you on Day 4 of the Main Draw:
With a total of 29 matches, it’s a full slate of action across various events on Day 4, ensuring non-stop table tennis excitement.
Host wildcards Ali Alkhadrawi (KSA) / Abdul Aziz Bu Shulaybi (KSA) will take on the top-seed pairing in the Men’s Doubles R16, Wang Chuqin (CHN) / Ma Long (CHN), at 20:50 in the Infinity ∞ Arena.
Men’s Singles qualifier Alvaro Robles (ESP) and Women’s Singles qualifiers Izabela Lupulesku (SRB) and Chien Tung-Chuan (TPE) step into the spotlight in the R32.
Lily Zhang (USA) faces Jeon Jihee (KOR) at 11:40 in the Women’s Singles R32. Both players are seeking to break new ground in a Grand Smash, with Zhang enjoying a career-best run and Jeon at her highest rank since 2022.
Lim Jonghoon (KOR) versus Tomokazu Harimoto (JPN) at 15:20 in the Men’s Singles R32. Lim edges ahead in their previous encounters and both known for their aggressive play and dynamic court presence.
Mima Ito (JPN) versus Doo Hoi Kem (HKG) at 14:20 in the Women’s Singles R32. This marks their 12th international meeting, with Ito looking to add a 2024 title to her impressive resume and Doo aiming for a career-best in a Grand Smash.