Jammu, May 7 -- In a major upset, Indian paddler Manika Batra defeated World No. 2 Chinese player Wang Manyu at the Saudi Smash event in Jeddah on Monday. Batra's 3-1 victory over the reigning World Champion is being seen as a significant result, boosting India's medal chances at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

The higher-ranked Wang Manyu had defeated Batra in their previous five meetings. However, the Indian paddler showed tremendous grit and composure to overcome the Chinese opponent on this occasion. She lost the opening game but bounced back to take the next three engagements, winning 6-11, 11-5, 11-7, 12-10.

Batra's coach Aman Balgu felt this victory has come at an opportune time before the Olympics. "With two months left for the big...