Manush Shah staged comeback to win Vadodara WTT Feeder title

Vadodara hosted its first WTT Feeder Series stop Jan. 11, and the SAMA Indoor Sports Complex delivered pulse‑raising drama and clear signals that the local table tennis scene is gaining momentum. Home favourite Manush Shah completed a remarkable turnaround to win the men’s singles, while Korea’s Ryu Hanna swept the women’s singles and later added a doubles crown with partner Yoo Yerin.

Shah trailed compatriot Payas Jain by two games in the final, dropping the opening sets 7-11 and 10-12 before flipping the match with three straight holds of control and aggression, taking the last three 11-6, 11-6, 11-8. The comeback not only won Shah the trophy but showcased resilience, fitness, and tactical switching under pressure, elements club players and aspiring pros will want to study.

Ryu Hanna dominated the women’s draw from the start, beating qualifier Anusha Kutumbale in straight games, 11-6, 11-6, 11-5. Ryu and Yoo Yerin then partnered to secure the women’s doubles title, underscoring Ryu’s all-around form across singles and pairs play. Several Indian players also featured on the doubles podium, reflecting strong local depth in pair events at this level.

The event was presented by the Sports Authority of Gujarat and staged at the SAMA complex, drawing fans who responded to competitive rallies and a range of playing styles. For local clubs and coaches, the tournament provided a practical showcase of match tactics such as mid-rally footwork adjustment, spin variation against short serves, and the psychological shift needed to turn a match after losing two tight opening games.

Beyond trophies, the Feeder stop mattered for community momentum. Hosting an international WTT event in Vadodara put local facilities and officials through the logistical paces of an international draw and gave Indian players extended match play against regional opponents, valuable preparation for the spring circuit. For young players and league organizers, the event highlighted pathways to bigger draws and the value of qualifying rounds, as seen with Anusha Kutumbale’s run into the final.

The takeaway? Treat matches like practice for pressure: work on your third- and fourth-game strategies, practice returning short serves with topspin, and value doubles as a growth channel. Our two cents? If you play locally, review these finals for patterns you can adopt, and if you run a club, use this momentum to schedule more match-play sessions that replicate the intensity seen in Vadodara.