WTT Youth Contender Cappadocia 2025: Ankur Bhattacharjee Clinches U19 Table Tennis Title in Turkey
Patiala, 17 February (Sports Desk)
Indian table tennis sensation Ankur Bhattacharjee claimed the Under-19 boys singles title at the WTT Youth Contender Cappadocia 2025 , defeating Iran’s Benyamin Faraji in straight games on Sunday. The tournament concluded at the Nevsehir Hacı Bektas Veli University Sports Centre in Turkey, with Ankur showcasing his dominance throughout the competition.
Final Match Recap
The 18-year-old Indian star triumphed over Faraji with a commanding 3-0 (11-9, 16-14, 14-12) victory in the final. This marks Ankur’s second WTT Youth Contender title at the Under-19 level, following his maiden win in Tunis in 2023.
- First Game: Ankur took an early lead at 8-5 but faced resistance from Faraji, who leveled the score at 8-8. However, Ankur held his nerve, winning three of the next four points to secure the opening game 11-9 .
- Second Game: Facing a tough challenge, Ankur trailed 10-8 but displayed remarkable resilience, saving six game points before sealing the game on his first opportunity with a thrilling 16-14 win.
- Third Game: Ankur found himself in a precarious position after falling behind 0-6. Undeterred, he staged a stunning comeback, leveling the score at 7-7 and saving two game points before clinching the decisive game 14-12 .
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Dominant Campaign
Ankur was in impeccable form throughout the tournament, winning all five of his matches without dropping a single game. In the semi-finals, he defeated Man Lung Sai of Hong Kong, China, with a convincing 3-0 (11-6, 12-10, 11-5) victory.
Ranked junior world No. 13 , Ankur demonstrated his ability to overcome higher-ranked opponents, including Benyamin Faraji (world No. 18) , with his tactical brilliance and mental toughness.
Recent Achievements
- WTT Youth Contender Dammam 2024: Ankur finished as the runner-up, losing to Kazakhstan’s Alan Kurumangaliyet in a closely contested final (3-1).
- National Title: Last month, Ankur won India’s U-19 national championship , defeating PB Abhinand 4-1 in the final to cement his status as one of the country’s brightest young talents.
Key Takeaways
- Ankur Bhattacharjee (India): Won the U19 boys singles title at WTT Youth Contender Cappadocia 2025.
- Final Score: 3-0 (11-9, 16-14, 14-12) against Benyamin Faraji (Iran).
- Performance: Won all five matches without dropping a game.
- Previous Titles: WTT Youth Contender Tunis 2023 champion, U-19 National Champion 2025.
Ankur’s victory in Turkey not only adds another prestigious title to his resume but also highlights his growing stature on the international stage. With his consistency and determination, the young paddler is poised to become a key figure in Indian table tennis.
