Egyptian table tennis sensation Farida Badawy achieved the unthinkable at the ongoing WTT Contender Lagos after securing a shocking 3-2 win over top seed, India’s Manika Batra, in an exhilarating women’s singles match on Friday.
The 20-year-old World No. 331, who was playing in the tournament without a coach, kept her calm to dispatch the more experienced Batra, who is ranked 28th in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) ranking.
Badawy beat the 29-year-old Indian 11-8, 11-9, 8-11, 9-11, and 11-8 in their round-of-16 encounter to register one of the biggest wins of her growing career.
The Egyptian youngster revealed she was happy and relieved to have surmounted such a gigantic obstacle: “I’m very happy to be here in Lagos,” she said. “Playing against [Manika] Bartra, India’s top player, and winning 3-2—it’s a dream come true.”
Badawy raced to an early 2-0 lead after winning the first two sets, but the experience of Batra came to play as the match progressed, as the Indian fought back to level the scores at 2-2 after recording identical scores with her less experienced opponent.
The Egyptian, however, wouldn’t back down, as she looked inspired all through the encounter. She took an 8-5 lead in a tense deciding game before increasing the lead to 10-6. Although Batra rallied with two quick points, leaving the game at 10-8, Badawy had all the answers for the next game as she held on for the famous win.
Looking ahead, Badawy remains ambitious. “I hope to perform well in my next match,” she stated. “Mixed emotions aside, I’m ready to give my best.”
The Lagos fans played a crucial role, supporting Badawy throughout. “Nigerian fans are incredible,” she acknowledged. “Their cheers lifted me when I needed it most.”
Badawy, who progressed to the quarterfinals, will face another Indian, Ayhika Mukherjee, on Saturday after the 27-year-old saw off South Korea’s Siwoo Yoo 3-1 in her own knockout tie.
