Deadspin | Phillies eager to end awful April on high note vs. Giants Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis García (53) walks off the field after lining out to San Francisco Giants left fielder Harrison Bader (9) in the to pot the eighth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images April will go down as a month that manager Rob Thomson and the Philadelphia Phillies would prefer to forget. With 11 losses in their last 12 games and only nine victories on the season, the Phillies are desperate for a win Tuesday when they host the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a three-game set. Philadelphia enters the week with a 9-19 record, matching the New York Mets for the worst mark in baseball. The Phillies’ run differential (-54) is by far the worst in the sport, putting Thomson on the hot seat if things don’t turn around quickly. “Well, that’s natural, right?” Thomson said of his job security. “It’s normal. And I’ve never worried about that in my entire career. … I don’t have time to think about it.” The Phillies snapped a 10-game losing streak Saturday with an 8-5 extra-inning victory over the Atlanta Braves. But the momentum didn’t last long, as they fell behind early in Sunday’s 6-2 series-finale loss. Aaron Nola allowed three runs in the first inning and three more in the second, and the Phillies’ bats managed only one hit (a single) in six innings against Chris Sale. “It’s not like the record is going to change overnight,” said designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, whose two-run homer in the eighth accounted for the Phillies’ offense on the day. “It’s going to be a continuous grind, and we’re ready for that. We know that there’s a long road ahead.” The Phillies’ attempted path to recovery will begin Tuesday with Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 6.91 ERA) on the mound. The left-hander has labored through the first month of the season, although he was able to limit the damage in his most recent outing. Despite allowing five hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs last Tuesday, Luzardo gave up just one run in an eventual 7-4 defeat. Still, he expects more of himself after signing a five-year, $135 million contract extension in the offseason. “It’s very frustrating,” Luzardo said. “As a whole, we don’t feel like we’re doing the job that we need to do. … I think there’s been times that a lot of us think that we can pick up the slack, me included.” Luzardo, who is 2-1 with a 5.23 ERA in six career starts against San Francisco, will be facing a team that has turned things around following a slow start of its own. The Giants have won seven of their last 10 games after beginning the season 6-12. They have won three series in a row — against the Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins. In Sunday’s 6-3 triumph over Miami, San Francisco’s Casey Schmitt hit a go-ahead home run for the second straight game. “That’s what we’re here for: to drive in runs and be productive,” said Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, who walked and scored in the decisive seventh inning. “But we are a team, and Casey’s hot right now.” Landen Roupp allowed just two hits and three runs over 7 2/3 innings — a performance that Tyler Mahle (1-3, 5.26) would love to copy in Tuesday’s contest. Mahle is coming off a sparkling effort in last Wednesday’s 3-0 win over the Dodgers, as he gave up just three hits and two walks over seven innings. In four lifetime starts against Philadelphia, Mahle is 1-1 with a 2.41 ERA. He held the Phillies to three hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings April 8 in San Francisco, helping the Giants take two of three in that series. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phillies #eager #awful #April #high #note #Giants

Deadspin | Phillies eager to end awful April on high note vs. Giants
Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis García (53) walks off the field after lining out to San Francisco Giants left fielder Harrison Bader (9) in the to pot the eighth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

April will go down as a month that manager Rob Thomson and the Philadelphia Phillies would prefer to forget.

With 11 losses in their last 12 games and only nine victories on the season, the Phillies are desperate for a win Tuesday when they host the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a three-game set.

Philadelphia enters the week with a 9-19 record, matching the New York Mets for the worst mark in baseball. The Phillies’ run differential (-54) is by far the worst in the sport, putting Thomson on the hot seat if things don’t turn around quickly.

“Well, that’s natural, right?” Thomson said of his job security. “It’s normal. And I’ve never worried about that in my entire career. … I don’t have time to think about it.”

The Phillies snapped a 10-game losing streak Saturday with an 8-5 extra-inning victory over the Atlanta Braves. But the momentum didn’t last long, as they fell behind early in Sunday’s 6-2 series-finale loss.

Aaron Nola allowed three runs in the first inning and three more in the second, and the Phillies’ bats managed only one hit (a single) in six innings against Chris Sale.

“It’s not like the record is going to change overnight,” said designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, whose two-run homer in the eighth accounted for the Phillies’ offense on the day. “It’s going to be a continuous grind, and we’re ready for that. We know that there’s a long road ahead.”

The Phillies’ attempted path to recovery will begin Tuesday with Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 6.91 ERA) on the mound. The left-hander has labored through the first month of the season, although he was able to limit the damage in his most recent outing.

Despite allowing five hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs last Tuesday, Luzardo gave up just one run in an eventual 7-4 defeat. Still, he expects more of himself after signing a five-year, $135 million contract extension in the offseason.

“It’s very frustrating,” Luzardo said. “As a whole, we don’t feel like we’re doing the job that we need to do. … I think there’s been times that a lot of us think that we can pick up the slack, me included.”

Luzardo, who is 2-1 with a 5.23 ERA in six career starts against San Francisco, will be facing a team that has turned things around following a slow start of its own.

The Giants have won seven of their last 10 games after beginning the season 6-12. They have won three series in a row — against the Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins.

In Sunday’s 6-3 triumph over Miami, San Francisco’s Casey Schmitt hit a go-ahead home run for the second straight game.

“That’s what we’re here for: to drive in runs and be productive,” said Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, who walked and scored in the decisive seventh inning. “But we are a team, and Casey’s hot right now.”

Landen Roupp allowed just two hits and three runs over 7 2/3 innings — a performance that Tyler Mahle (1-3, 5.26) would love to copy in Tuesday’s contest.

Mahle is coming off a sparkling effort in last Wednesday’s 3-0 win over the Dodgers, as he gave up just three hits and two walks over seven innings.

In four lifetime starts against Philadelphia, Mahle is 1-1 with a 2.41 ERA. He held the Phillies to three hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings April 8 in San Francisco, helping the Giants take two of three in that series.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Phillies #eager #awful #April #high #note #Giants

Sports news April 27, 2026

Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis García (53) walks off the field after lining out to San Francisco Giants left fielder Harrison Bader (9) in the to pot the eighth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

April will go down as a month that manager Rob Thomson and the Philadelphia Phillies would prefer to forget.

With 11 losses in their last 12 games and only nine victories on the season, the Phillies are desperate for a win Tuesday when they host the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a three-game set.

Philadelphia enters the week with a 9-19 record, matching the New York Mets for the worst mark in baseball. The Phillies’ run differential (-54) is by far the worst in the sport, putting Thomson on the hot seat if things don’t turn around quickly.

“Well, that’s natural, right?” Thomson said of his job security. “It’s normal. And I’ve never worried about that in my entire career. … I don’t have time to think about it.”

The Phillies snapped a 10-game losing streak Saturday with an 8-5 extra-inning victory over the Atlanta Braves. But the momentum didn’t last long, as they fell behind early in Sunday’s 6-2 series-finale loss.

Aaron Nola allowed three runs in the first inning and three more in the second, and the Phillies’ bats managed only one hit (a single) in six innings against Chris Sale.

“It’s not like the record is going to change overnight,” said designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, whose two-run homer in the eighth accounted for the Phillies’ offense on the day. “It’s going to be a continuous grind, and we’re ready for that. We know that there’s a long road ahead.”

The Phillies’ attempted path to recovery will begin Tuesday with Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 6.91 ERA) on the mound. The left-hander has labored through the first month of the season, although he was able to limit the damage in his most recent outing.

Despite allowing five hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs last Tuesday, Luzardo gave up just one run in an eventual 7-4 defeat. Still, he expects more of himself after signing a five-year, $135 million contract extension in the offseason.

“It’s very frustrating,” Luzardo said. “As a whole, we don’t feel like we’re doing the job that we need to do. … I think there’s been times that a lot of us think that we can pick up the slack, me included.”

Luzardo, who is 2-1 with a 5.23 ERA in six career starts against San Francisco, will be facing a team that has turned things around following a slow start of its own.

The Giants have won seven of their last 10 games after beginning the season 6-12. They have won three series in a row — against the Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins.

In Sunday’s 6-3 triumph over Miami, San Francisco’s Casey Schmitt hit a go-ahead home run for the second straight game.

“That’s what we’re here for: to drive in runs and be productive,” said Giants third baseman Matt Chapman, who walked and scored in the decisive seventh inning. “But we are a team, and Casey’s hot right now.”

Landen Roupp allowed just two hits and three runs over 7 2/3 innings — a performance that Tyler Mahle (1-3, 5.26) would love to copy in Tuesday’s contest.

Mahle is coming off a sparkling effort in last Wednesday’s 3-0 win over the Dodgers, as he gave up just three hits and two walks over seven innings.

In four lifetime starts against Philadelphia, Mahle is 1-1 with a 2.41 ERA. He held the Phillies to three hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings April 8 in San Francisco, helping the Giants take two of three in that series.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Phillies #eager #awful #April #high #note #Giants

IPL 2026: ‘For a first-time captain, Riyan Parag is doing a very good job,’ says RR’s Sandeep Sharma <div id="content-body-70913228" itemprop="articleBody">Being an Indian Premier League (IPL) captain is a tough job, and Riyan Parag has done a terrific job in his first year as Rajasthan Royals skipper to cope with the pressure, fast bowler Sandeep Sharma said on Monday ahead of a clash against Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.“For a first-time captain, it’s a tough role, and he’s doing a very good job,” Sandeep said.The experienced fast bowler also noted that Parag doesn’t have the luxury of leaning on senior pros like Sanju Samson did with Jos Buttler and Ravichandran Ashwin when they were at Rajasthan Royals.“Riyan doesn’t have that same level of experience around him, but that can actually help him grow faster. He’ll learn a lot this season and come back as a much-improved captain in the future,” Sandeep said.This year’s IPL has seen massive scores, often pushing bowlers out of the game, but Sandeep remains optimistic. “Hitting ability has improved massively over the last four or five years, especially with younger players coming in with a different range. I think the next lot of bowlers will also bring something new, and experienced bowlers will have to keep evolving. Even today, if you execute your plans well – whether it’s yorkers, slower balls or targeting a batter’s weakness – you can succeed,” he added.<h4 class="sub_head">Room for improvement</h4>According to Punjab’s assistant coach Brad Haddin, the bowler’s role is to find ways to slow the scoring even as modern batters continue to push the limits.“From a coach’s point of view, you’re constantly trying to find ways to slow the game down – whether that’s through wickets or forcing batters into areas you want them to hit. Sometimes, you execute a perfect ball, and it still ends up in the stands. That’s just the power of the modern-day batter,” Haddin said.At the halfway mark, Punjab is the only unbeaten team, with six wins and one no result. Asked how the side is avoiding complacency, Haddin said the focus remains on improvement.“We’re lucky with this group. You watch them train: they all turn up, they know their roles, and they’re always trying to get better. That’s what we’ve enjoyed most as coaches – their appetite to improve,” he said.“The job’s not done. We’re halfway through the tournament, and it’s about playing your best cricket at the back end. There’s still a lot of room for improvement with bat, ball, and in the field. That’s what we’re most pleased with – yes, we’re playing good cricket, but there are still areas we can get better in,” Haddin added.The Australian also confirmed that fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who joined the Punjab Kings squad late, will be available for selection against the Royals.Published on Apr 27, 2026</div> #IPL #firsttime #captain #Riyan #Parag #good #job #RRs #Sandeep #Sharma

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WrestleMania 42 is in the rearview mirror and will go down as one of the most polarizing of its kind. Ads were galore, the ESPN app kept crashing, and the longest match across the board was 33 minutes long. On the bright side, almost everyone’s favorite won last weekend. Randy Orton was originally supposed to win his 15th title, but Triple H decided to keep his rivalry going with Cody Rhodes. Long story short, WWE wanted to hit the reset button and rid the filth of TKO’s meddling with the insertion of Pat McAfee.

The Ruler Has Arrived

Oba! Oba! Oba! Oba!

Oba Femi beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania in the opener, and WWE made the right decision. Rumor has it that Brock Lesnar picked Oba Femi to be his WrestleMania opponent and put him over. The Nigerian Giant opened Monday Night Raw, the crowd strutted along to his entrance and serenaded him. Femi said, “The Ruler Has Arrived,” and the mic dropped. Short, sweet, and to the point. Where he goes from here is anybody’s guess but expect a clash with Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight title at SummerSlam or before the year is out.

The ‘Mania Match that Should’ve Happened

It’s a shame Iyo Sky vs Asuka (even adding Kaire Sane) didn’t happen at WrestleMania. Instead, Sky made an appearance in Rhea’s title match and celebrated Ripley’s victory. According to reports, the creative team didn’t want to rush this match and instead gave it time to develop. That same team put Gunther and Seth Rollins together in less than three weeks. On Raw, Sky and Ripley took down Asuka and Sane in the first match of the show. Hopefully, we will get Iyo Sky and Asuka at Backlash. It’s ridiculous that one of the greatest female wrestlers on the planet couldn’t get on the WM card.

The N(E)XT Generation is Here

Every year after WrestleMania, WWE calls up the best and brightest stars from NXT. Ethan Page and Sol Ruca made their debuts on Raw, while Fatal Influence was involved in two segments on SmackDown. Page looks to have found his place in the IC title picture, while Ruca stood toe-to-toe with WWE Raw Women’s Champion Liv Morgan. Meanwhile, Fatal Influence got involved in the tag team title bout before Jacy Jayne hit Rhea Ripley with her best shot. Joe Hendry is scheduled to have a concert on Raw, while Blake Monroe and Ricky Saints will be making their debuts soon.

All Gas No Breaks

When Roman Reigns won their first World Heavyweight Championship, fans wondered what was next for the Tribal Chief. Would it be Rock, Bron Breakker, or Oba Femi? None of the above. In the last segment of Raw, Jacob Fatu interrupted Reigns and the Usos looking for a title opportunity. It looks like WWE fans are going to see Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu at Backlash in Tampa. Fatu will likely lose to Reigns, but if they add a stipulation that he must join the Bloodline as a result. Things could get interesting. It’s great to see the Samoan Werewolf get his flower and confront the Tribal Chief. Let’s hope there are bigger things for him on the horizon.

Spring Cleaning

There’s no easy way to put it. Days after WWE/TKO announced WrestleMania 42 was the highest-grossing event in company history, over 20 superstars were released. Most notable were Santos Escobar, Apollo Crews, Kaire Sane, Aleister Black, along with his wife, Zelina Vega, and the Wyatt Sicks. The strange part of all of this is WWE aired a vignette for the Wyatt Sicks during a SmackDown commercial break despite them being released. Something must have gotten lost in translation along the way. Fans might be under the impression that TKO is responsible for this happening, but that lies with Triple H. Hoping all the talent find another home sooner than later.

Returns and Departures

We got Paige, Bron Breakker, and Street Profits back in the last week. Paige is a Women’s Tag Team champion, while Breakker is targeting Seth Rollins. The Street Profits mysteriously disappeared from WWE television but returned to take out the Vision. Here’s to hoping they take the tag titles off the Vision immediately.

On the flip side, a match planned for Backlash has been cancelled. Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll have departed from WWE on their own accord. After harsh backlash (pun fully intended), the two went to their social media platforms and announced their departure from the company. Cody Rhodes on SmackDown said, “To those outside forces that kept interceding and interjecting into my WrestleMania plans… You guys are 0-3. Send your best or count your money and mind your damn business.” He refers to WM 40, where Rock almost took his spot, WM 41 with Travis Scott, and finally Pat McAfee at WM 42. Expect a rematch between Orton and Rhodes for the belt without any shenanigans, and for Orton to win his 15th title. The American Nightmare isn’t medically cleared, so fans will have to wait and see when these two will clash.

One last thing before I forget, Tiffany Stratton is the new Women’s US champion after beating Guilia. Don’t worry if you forgot about this title; so, did Triple H and the rest of the creative team. They seem to only care about it when the belt is on Chelsea Green, who is nursing a broken foot and will be out for several months.

With new talent in the spotlight, WWE may have found its formula for success. Unfortunately, dozens have lost their jobs in the past few days. Let’s see what Triple H and co. have in store for this next chapter.

#WrestleMania #Fallout #WWE #Shakeups #Releases #Whats #Deadspin.com">

WrestleMania 42 Fallout: WWE Shakeups, Releases, and What’s Next | Deadspin.com WrestleMania 42 is in the rearview mirror and will go down as one of the most polarizing of its kind. Ads were galore, the ESPN app kept crashing, and the longest match across the board was 33 minutes long. On the bright side, almost everyone’s favorite won last weekend. Randy Orton was originally supposed to win his 15th title, but Triple H decided to keep his rivalry going with Cody Rhodes. Long story short, WWE wanted to hit the reset button and rid the filth of TKO’s meddling with the insertion of Pat McAfee.The Ruler Has ArrivedOba! Oba! Oba! Oba!Oba Femi beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania in the opener, and WWE made the right decision. Rumor has it that Brock Lesnar picked Oba Femi to be his WrestleMania opponent and put him over. The Nigerian Giant opened Monday Night Raw, the crowd strutted along to his entrance and serenaded him. Femi said, “The Ruler Has Arrived,” and the mic dropped. Short, sweet, and to the point. Where he goes from here is anybody’s guess but expect a clash with Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight title at SummerSlam or before the year is out.The ‘Mania Match that Should’ve HappenedIt’s a shame Iyo Sky vs Asuka (even adding Kaire Sane) didn’t happen at WrestleMania. Instead, Sky made an appearance in Rhea’s title match and celebrated Ripley’s victory. According to reports, the creative team didn’t want to rush this match and instead gave it time to develop. That same team put Gunther and Seth Rollins together in less than three weeks. On Raw, Sky and Ripley took down Asuka and Sane in the first match of the show. Hopefully, we will get Iyo Sky and Asuka at Backlash. It’s ridiculous that one of the greatest female wrestlers on the planet couldn’t get on the WM card.The N(E)XT Generation is HereEvery year after WrestleMania, WWE calls up the best and brightest stars from NXT. Ethan Page and Sol Ruca made their debuts on Raw, while Fatal Influence was involved in two segments on SmackDown. Page looks to have found his place in the IC title picture, while Ruca stood toe-to-toe with WWE Raw Women’s Champion Liv Morgan. Meanwhile, Fatal Influence got involved in the tag team title bout before Jacy Jayne hit Rhea Ripley with her best shot. Joe Hendry is scheduled to have a concert on Raw, while Blake Monroe and Ricky Saints will be making their debuts soon.All Gas No BreaksWhen Roman Reigns won their first World Heavyweight Championship, fans wondered what was next for the Tribal Chief. Would it be Rock, Bron Breakker, or Oba Femi? None of the above. In the last segment of Raw, Jacob Fatu interrupted Reigns and the Usos looking for a title opportunity. It looks like WWE fans are going to see Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu at Backlash in Tampa. Fatu will likely lose to Reigns, but if they add a stipulation that he must join the Bloodline as a result. Things could get interesting. It’s great to see the Samoan Werewolf get his flower and confront the Tribal Chief. Let’s hope there are bigger things for him on the horizon.Spring CleaningThere’s no easy way to put it. Days after WWE/TKO announced WrestleMania 42 was the highest-grossing event in company history, over 20 superstars were released. Most notable were Santos Escobar, Apollo Crews, Kaire Sane, Aleister Black, along with his wife, Zelina Vega, and the Wyatt Sicks. The strange part of all of this is WWE aired a vignette for the Wyatt Sicks during a SmackDown commercial break despite them being released. Something must have gotten lost in translation along the way. Fans might be under the impression that TKO is responsible for this happening, but that lies with Triple H. Hoping all the talent find another home sooner than later.Returns and DeparturesWe got Paige, Bron Breakker, and Street Profits back in the last week. Paige is a Women’s Tag Team champion, while Breakker is targeting Seth Rollins. The Street Profits mysteriously disappeared from WWE television but returned to take out the Vision. Here’s to hoping they take the tag titles off the Vision immediately.On the flip side, a match planned for Backlash has been cancelled. Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll have departed from WWE on their own accord. After harsh backlash (pun fully intended), the two went to their social media platforms and announced their departure from the company. Cody Rhodes on SmackDown said, “To those outside forces that kept interceding and interjecting into my WrestleMania plans… You guys are 0-3. Send your best or count your money and mind your damn business.” He refers to WM 40, where Rock almost took his spot, WM 41 with Travis Scott, and finally Pat McAfee at WM 42. Expect a rematch between Orton and Rhodes for the belt without any shenanigans, and for Orton to win his 15th title. The American Nightmare isn’t medically cleared, so fans will have to wait and see when these two will clash.One last thing before I forget, Tiffany Stratton is the new Women’s US champion after beating Guilia. Don’t worry if you forgot about this title; so, did Triple H and the rest of the creative team. They seem to only care about it when the belt is on Chelsea Green, who is nursing a broken foot and will be out for several months.With new talent in the spotlight, WWE may have found its formula for success. Unfortunately, dozens have lost their jobs in the past few days. Let’s see what Triple H and co. have in store for this next chapter. #WrestleMania #Fallout #WWE #Shakeups #Releases #Whats #Deadspin.com

mwasimuddin125 0

WrestleMania 42 is in the rearview mirror and will go down as one of the most polarizing of its kind. Ads were galore, the ESPN app kept crashing, and the longest match across the board was 33 minutes long. On the bright side, almost everyone’s favorite won last weekend. Randy Orton was originally supposed to win his 15th title, but Triple H decided to keep his rivalry going with Cody Rhodes. Long story short, WWE wanted to hit the reset button and rid the filth of TKO’s meddling with the insertion of Pat McAfee.

The Ruler Has Arrived

Oba! Oba! Oba! Oba!

The ‘Mania Match that Should’ve Happened

The N(E)XT Generation is Here

All Gas No Breaks

Spring Cleaning

Returns and Departures

#WrestleMania #Fallout #WWE #Shakeups #Releases #Whats #Deadspin.com">WrestleMania 42 Fallout: WWE Shakeups, Releases, and What’s Next | Deadspin.com

The Ruler Has Arrived

Oba! Oba! Oba! Oba!

The ‘Mania Match that Should’ve Happened

The N(E)XT Generation is Here

All Gas No Breaks

Spring Cleaning

Returns and Departures

#WrestleMania #Fallout #WWE #Shakeups #Releases #Whats #Deadspin.com

India’s men’s and women’s teams head into the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships, beginning in London on Tuesday, with a familiar mix of promise and pressure.

Placed in Group 7, the Indian men’s team—featuring Manav Thakkar (WR No. 38), G. Sathiyan (42), Manush Shah (51), Harmeet Desai (80) and Payas Jain (127)—will start as the clear favourite against Slovakia, Tunisia and Guatemala.

On paper, the rankings tilt heavily in India’s favour, particularly against a Slovak line-up led by Lubomir Pistej (149) and Yang Wang (184).

Yet, the absence of now-retired Sharath Kamal’s experience in crunch ties could test India’s composure, especially in tight five-match encounters.

The women’s team finds itself in Group 6, alongside Ukraine, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Led by Manika Batra (WR No. 49), India also has Yashaswini Ghorpade (88), Diya Chitale (92), Sutirtha Mukherjee (120) and Syndrela Das (175), who at 16 is the youngest from the country to play at the worlds.

Ukraine, spearheaded by Margaryta Pesotska (51), presents a more tangible threat, making the group a closer contest than the men’s draw.

India’s recent history at this event offers both encouragement and caution. At the 2024 edition in Busan, both teams advanced to the knockout stage but exited in the Round of 32.

The women’s team impressed with a second-place group finish that included narrow wins over Hungary and Spain, while pushing China in a close 2-3 loss.

The men, meanwhile, showed resilience with wins over Chile and Kazakhstan but faltered against stronger opposition, going down 0-3 to South Korea in the knockouts.

The format in London raises the stakes further.

Only group winners are guaranteed direct entry into the main draw, while second-placed teams face a complicated qualification route based on match ratios.

For the men, depth remains a strong suit.

Sathiyan and Thakkar bring consistency, while Shah’s upward trajectory adds firepower.

The women’s side, on the other hand, appears more balanced than before, with Manika’s big-match temperament complemented by a young core gaining international exposure.

If India can convert its numerical advantage into clinical performances and avoid slipping into the uncertainties of second place, a deeper run than 2024 is well within reach.

A century after the inaugural ITTF World Table Tennis Championships took place in England in 1926, the sport returns to where it all began for a truly historic centenary celebration.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#World #Team #Table #Tennis #Championships #Preview #Indians #target #group #dominance #era #begins">

World Team Table Tennis Championships Preview: Indians target group dominance as new era begins India’s men’s and women’s teams head into the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships, beginning in London on Tuesday, with a familiar mix of promise and pressure.Placed in Group 7, the Indian men’s team—featuring Manav Thakkar (WR No. 38), G. Sathiyan (42), Manush Shah (51), Harmeet Desai (80) and Payas Jain (127)—will start as the clear favourite against Slovakia, Tunisia and Guatemala.On paper, the rankings tilt heavily in India’s favour, particularly against a Slovak line-up led by Lubomir Pistej (149) and Yang Wang (184).Yet, the absence of now-retired Sharath Kamal’s experience in crunch ties could test India’s composure, especially in tight five-match encounters.The women’s team finds itself in Group 6, alongside Ukraine, Uganda, and Rwanda.Led by Manika Batra (WR No. 49), India also has Yashaswini Ghorpade (88), Diya Chitale (92), Sutirtha Mukherjee (120) and Syndrela Das (175), who at 16 is the youngest from the country to play at the worlds.Ukraine, spearheaded by Margaryta Pesotska (51), presents a more tangible threat, making the group a closer contest than the men’s draw.India’s recent history at this event offers both encouragement and caution. At the 2024 edition in Busan, both teams advanced to the knockout stage but exited in the Round of 32.The women’s team impressed with a second-place group finish that included narrow wins over Hungary and Spain, while pushing China in a close 2-3 loss.The men, meanwhile, showed resilience with wins over Chile and Kazakhstan but faltered against stronger opposition, going down 0-3 to South Korea in the knockouts.The format in London raises the stakes further.Only group winners are guaranteed direct entry into the main draw, while second-placed teams face a complicated qualification route based on match ratios.For the men, depth remains a strong suit.Sathiyan and Thakkar bring consistency, while Shah’s upward trajectory adds firepower.The women’s side, on the other hand, appears more balanced than before, with Manika’s big-match temperament complemented by a young core gaining international exposure.If India can convert its numerical advantage into clinical performances and avoid slipping into the uncertainties of second place, a deeper run than 2024 is well within reach.A century after the inaugural ITTF World Table Tennis Championships took place in England in 1926, the sport returns to where it all began for a truly historic centenary celebration.Published on Apr 27, 2026 #World #Team #Table #Tennis #Championships #Preview #Indians #target #group #dominance #era #begins

mwasimuddin125 0

India’s men’s and women’s teams head into the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships, beginning in London on Tuesday, with a familiar mix of promise and pressure.
Placed in Group 7, the Indian men’s team—featuring Manav Thakkar (WR No. 38), G. Sathiyan (42), Manush Shah (51), Harmeet Desai (80) and Payas Jain (127)—will start as the clear favourite against Slovakia, Tunisia and Guatemala.
On paper, the rankings tilt heavily in India’s favour, particularly against a Slovak line-up led by Lubomir Pistej (149) and Yang Wang (184).
Yet, the absence of now-retired Sharath Kamal’s experience in crunch ties could test India’s composure, especially in tight five-match encounters.
The women’s team finds itself in Group 6, alongside Ukraine, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Led by Manika Batra (WR No. 49), India also has Yashaswini Ghorpade (88), Diya Chitale (92), Sutirtha Mukherjee (120) and Syndrela Das (175), who at 16 is the youngest from the country to play at the worlds.
Ukraine, spearheaded by Margaryta Pesotska (51), presents a more tangible threat, making the group a closer contest than the men’s draw.
India’s recent history at this event offers both encouragement and caution. At the 2024 edition in Busan, both teams advanced to the knockout stage but exited in the Round of 32.
The women’s team impressed with a second-place group finish that included narrow wins over Hungary and Spain, while pushing China in a close 2-3 loss.
The men, meanwhile, showed resilience with wins over Chile and Kazakhstan but faltered against stronger opposition, going down 0-3 to South Korea in the knockouts.
The format in London raises the stakes further.
Only group winners are guaranteed direct entry into the main draw, while second-placed teams face a complicated qualification route based on match ratios.
For the men, depth remains a strong suit.
Sathiyan and Thakkar bring consistency, while Shah’s upward trajectory adds firepower.
The women’s side, on the other hand, appears more balanced than before, with Manika’s big-match temperament complemented by a young core gaining international exposure.
If India can convert its numerical advantage into clinical performances and avoid slipping into the uncertainties of second place, a deeper run than 2024 is well within reach.
A century after the inaugural ITTF World Table Tennis Championships took place in England in 1926, the sport returns to where it all began for a truly historic centenary celebration.
Published on Apr 27, 2026

#World #Team #Table #Tennis #Championships #Preview #Indians #target #group #dominance #era #begins">World Team Table Tennis Championships Preview: Indians target group dominance as new era begins