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From visa drama to victory, Manika Batra has turned her London campaign into a story of grit and glory.

Just days after voicing frustration over delayed UK visas, the Indian paddling star pulled off a massive upset on Saturday, defeating world No. 12 Shi Xunyao of China to book her spot in the women’s singles quarterfinals at the WTT Star Contender London 2025.

Ranked No. 43 in the world and seeded 16th, Batra toppled the fourth-seeded Chinese 11-6, 11-4, 8-11, 11-9 in a thrilling 37-minute encounter at the Copper Box Arena. The win marks one of her biggest international scalps in recent months.

Next up, she faces either fifth seed Shin Yubin of Korea or ninth seed Cheng I-Ching of Chinese Taipei for a place in the semifinals.

From Visa Delays to Victory

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