Indian paddler Sreeja Akula has stunned the table tennis world by defeating Paris Olympics bronze medallist Hina Hayata in straight games at the WTT Contender Lagos 2025.
A Major Upset in Lagos
Hyderabad’s own Sreeja Akula, ranked No. 57 in the world, delivered a remarkable performance against Japan’s Hina Hayata, who is ranked No. 11. Hayata was considered the clear favorite heading into the match, having recently secured a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
Akula, the defending champion in Lagos, secured a dominant victory with scores of 11-7, 11-8, 11-3. This impressive straight-sets win secured her spot in the round of 16 and sent ripples through the tournament.
Akula’s Winning Mindset
Despite the significant ranking gap, Akula approached the match with a clear strategy. She focused solely on her own game rather than being intimidated by Hayata’s reputation.
“I was well-prepared for the match, even though it was my first time playing against her,” Akula shared after her win. “She’s the top-ranked player, but I didn’t focus on rankings. I just concentrated on my game, and I’m happy with how I played.”
Her tactical maturity and remarkable composure were evident throughout the match. Akula’s known defensive prowess made it incredibly difficult for Hayata to gain any significant foothold.
Lagos: A Fortress for Akula
This isn’t Akula’s first triumph in Lagos. In June 2024, she made history by becoming the first Indian to win a WTT Contender title at this very event. She secured both the women’s singles and doubles crowns last year, making Lagos a special place for her career.
Returning to a venue where she has achieved such success clearly boosts her confidence. “Being the defending champion gives me a lot of confidence. Lagos has been a good hunting ground for me, and I’m really happy to be back,” she stated.
Her stunning victory over Hayata right at the start of her title defense speaks volumes about her determination and form. Akula aims to continue her strong performance and enjoy the tournament as she progresses.
- Sreeja Akula (World No. 57) defeated Hina Hayata (World No. 11), a Paris Olympics bronze medallist.
- Akula won in straight games: 11-7, 11-8, 11-3.
- She focused on her own game and preparation, not her opponent’s ranking.
- Lagos is a significant venue for Akula, where she became the first Indian WTT Contender champion in 2024.
This early upset sets an exciting tone for the rest of the WTT Contender Lagos 2025, with Akula firmly in the spotlight as she looks to defend her hard-won title.
