Local-girl Krittwika starts favourite in Surat TT meet

Gandhidham, June 19: All eyes will be on Pratham Madlani as state’s top-ranked paddler in men’s category takes field in the upcoming Tapti Valley International School 3rd Gujarat State Ranking Table Tennis Tournament 2024 organised by Table Tennis Association of Surat District under the aegis of Gujarat State Table Tennis Association (GSTTA) at the Tapti Valley International School in Surat from June 20 to 23.

The Vadodara-lad Pratham is expected to face a stiff challenge from second-ranked Chitrax Bhatt of Ahmedabad.

Meanwhile, in the women’s draw, local paddler Krittwika Sinha Roy will start as favourite in the absence of top-ranked player Oishiki Joardar who has opted out of the tournament. Bhavnagar state ranking winner Roy, however, will have to watch out for the top seed and her citymate Filzahfatema Kadri.

Other local paddlers-Frenaz Chipia and Aayush Tanna-will be firmly in the fray for top honours as they aim to perform well in front of their home crowd.

“A total of 653 entries have been received for the tournament. We will ensure smooth conduct of the meet,” GSTTA president Shri. Pramod Chaudhary said.