Sreeja Akula shocks Hina Hayata in WTT Contender Lagos, reaches round of 16

India’s Sreeja Akula caused a major upset at the WTT Contender Lagos, defeating World No. 11, Hina Hayata, in straight games to seal a spot in the round of 16 on Thursday. 

The 26-year-old Indian dominated from the outset, showcasing exceptional form against the top-seeded Japanese player, to finish with a commanding scoreline of 11-7, 11-8, 11-3.

World No. 57 Akula, who is the defending champion, faces local hope Fatimo Bello or Italy’s Debora Vivarelli in the next round.

However, Krittwika Roy and Poymantee Baisya lost their opening-round clashes. Taneesha Kotecha begins her campaign with a match against Italy’s Gaia Monfardini.

Sreeja also progressed in mixed doubles as she and her compatriot G. Sathiyan took down Italian qualifiers Vivarelli and Carlo Rossi 3-1 (13-11, 10-12, 11-3, 11-8) in the round of 16.

More to follow…