The contest ebbed and flowed before India sealed victory through resilience and composure under pressure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Slovakia drew first blood as Lubomir Pistej, ranked 149, used his experience to outmanoeuvre Manush Shah, ranked No. 51, in a five-game opener 11-8, 5-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-6, handing his side an early lead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India responded immediately through their highest-ranked paddler at 42, Manav Thakkar, who produced a composed and controlled display to defeat Jakub Zelinka in straight games 11-6, 11-8, 11-6, levelling the tie at 1-1.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Slovakia regained the upper hand in the third rubber, as defensive player Wang Yang delivered a clinical performance to overcome Harmeet Desai 16-14, 11-5, 11-9. Mixing sharp variations in pace with precise counter-attacking, Wang disrupted Harmeet\u2019s rhythm and pushed Slovakia within touching distance of victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With their backs against the wall at 1-2, India mounted a decisive comeback. Manav once again rose to the occasion, emphatically overpowering Lubomir 11-3, 11-3, 11-3 to restore parity. The momentum firmly with India, left-hander Manush delivered under pressure in the deciding rubber, defeating Jakub 11-8, 11-8, 11-7, to seal a crucial 3-2 win.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Slovakia regained the upper hand in the third rubber, as defensive player Wang Yang delivered a clinical performance to overcome Harmeet Desai 16-14, 11-5, 11-9. Mixing sharp variations in pace with precise counter-attacking, Wang disrupted Harmeet\u2019s rhythm and pushed Slovakia within touching distance of victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The men's and women's teams (against Rwanda) will play their final group matches, scheduled to begin at 10 (IST) tonight.<\/p>\r\n\r\n