Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah Storm Into WTT Lagos Men’s Doubles Final With Dominant Display
Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah Continue Dominant Run, Reach WTT Lagos Men’s Doubles Final
India’s top men’s doubles pair of Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah continued their impressive run at the WTT Contender Lagos 2026, storming into the final with a commanding straight-games victory over Nigeria’s Taiwo Mati and Matthew Kuti. The top-seeded Indian duo produced another clinical performance in the semifinals, winning 11-4, 11-6, 11-9 to book their place in the title clash at the prestigious WTT event in Nigeria.
With the victory, Manav and Manush moved one step closer to another international title and further reinforced their growing reputation as one of the strongest men’s doubles combinations in world table tennis. The semifinal clash carried significant expectations, especially with the Nigerian pair enjoying strong home support throughout the tournament. Taiwo Mati and Matthew Kuti had impressed earlier in the competition and were hoping to use local conditions and crowd energy to challenge the Indians.
However, the Indian pair looked in complete control from the very first point. Manav and Manush started aggressively, dominating the opening game with sharp returns, quick placement changes, and excellent coordination at the table. Their attacking intent immediately put the Nigerian duo under pressure, and the Indians raced through the first game 11-4.
The second game followed a similar pattern.
Manush Shah’s consistency in rallies combined brilliantly with Manav Thakkar’s quick reactions near the table. The Indian pair controlled the tempo expertly, preventing the Nigerians from building momentum. Their tactical discipline and superior placement allowed them to comfortably take the second game 11-6. The third game proved more competitive as Mati and Kuti attempted a late comeback in front of the home crowd. The Nigerian pair produced several aggressive points and briefly narrowed the gap, but the Indians once again showed composure during the crucial moments.
Manav and Manush held their nerve to close out the contest 11-9 and complete a dominant straight-games victory. The result underlined the consistency the pair has shown throughout the tournament.
From the opening rounds, the Indian duo has looked sharp both tactically and technically. Their understanding at the table has been one of their biggest strengths, allowing them to rotate seamlessly between attack and defence. The chemistry between the two players continues to improve with every tournament.
Over the last few seasons, Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah have emerged as India’s leading men’s doubles partnership. Their performances on the WTT circuit have steadily improved, and Lagos has once again showcased their ability to compete strongly against international opposition. The final now presents another major opportunity.
The Indian pair will face Romania’s Iulian Chirita and Andrei Istrate in the title clash. The Romanian duo has also impressed during the tournament and will provide a strong challenge in what promises to be a high-quality final. For the Indian team, the success in Lagos has not been limited to doubles alone. Manush Shah has also enjoyed an excellent run in the singles event. Earlier in the day, he defeated France’s Thibault Poret in a thrilling five-game contest to secure a place in the men’s singles semifinals. He will next face South Korea’s Oh Junsung in another important encounter.
The overall Indian campaign at WTT Lagos has been highly encouraging. Ayhika Mukherjee, Diya Chitale, Sutirtha Mukherjee, and Yashaswini Ghorpade all made deep runs across singles and doubles categories, while Indian pairs reached the semifinals in multiple events. The performances reflect the growing depth and consistency of Indian table tennis on the international circuit.
Particularly encouraging has been the ability of Indian players to perform across different formats singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Manush Shah, in particular, has stood out with his versatility. Alongside Diya Chitale, he recently captured the mixed doubles title in Lagos, adding another major achievement to his growing resume. Now, he and Manav have the opportunity to add a men’s doubles crown as well.
For Indian table tennis, performances like these are significant not just for rankings and medals, but also for confidence ahead of bigger international events later in the season. Consistent results on the WTT circuit help players gain exposure against varied playing styles and improve their competitiveness against top-ranked nations. The partnership between Manav and Manush appears to be growing stronger at the perfect time.
Both players complement each other extremely well. Manav’s speed and aggressive intent combine effectively with Manush’s calmness and tactical control, making them a difficult pair to break down in doubles competition. Their straight-games semifinal victory in Lagos was another reminder of that balance.
With momentum on their side and confidence growing match by match, the Indian duo will now head into the final believing they can finish the tournament on top.
Another title would further strengthen their position among the world’s leading men’s doubles pairs and continue India’s impressive rise in international table tennis.
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