Lubomir Jancarik Beats Higher Ranked Manav Thakkar in Surprise Match

In a surprising turn of events at the WTT Star Contender, Lubomir Jancarik, ranked 174, defeated Manav Thakkar, who is ranked 33 and was the fourth seed. Jancarik said he knew his opponent's style well. India's Snehit also won a tough match.
By Newsroom | Table Tennis, Sports |

The tension was palpable in the second round of the WTT Star Contender tournament as world number 174, Lubomír Jancarik from Czechia, defeated the higher-ranked and fourth-seeded Indian player, Manav Thakkar, in a surprising four-game match. This outcome stands as one of the most notable upsets of the competition thus far, marking a significant moment in the event.

Tournament Progression and Key Matches

The WTT Star Contender event has seen several compelling matchups. In the men's singles second round, Lubomír Jancarik, ranked 174th globally, faced Manav Thakkar, who holds the 33rd rank and was the fourth seed. Jancarik secured victory with a scoreline of 11-6, 11-7, 9-11, and 11-9.

  • Jancarik's Strategy: Jancarik attributed his success to understanding his opponent's playing style. He stated, "I just knew the system, his system, you know, and I was waiting what he will change or not." This suggests a meticulous preparation and a tactical approach to the match.

  • Snehit's Strong Performance: In another notable match, India's S.F.R. Snehit, ranked 100th, delivered a strong performance against the 13th seed Mizuki Oikawa of Japan, who is ranked 61st. Snehit won a closely contested five-game match (9-11, 15-17, 11-4, 11-6, 18-16) lasting 52 minutes. He managed to save multiple match points during the intense contest, demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline under pressure.

Historical Head-to-Head and Player Aspirations

This is not the first time Jancarik has faced Thakkar. The Czech player had previously defeated Thakkar in their sole encounter before this WTT Star Contender match, which took place at the WTT Feeder in Havirov, Czech Republic, in 2025.

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  • Jancarik's Future Goals: Jancarik expressed his ambition to climb the world rankings, stating, "I want to be in the top 30 and play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics." This indicates a clear long-term vision for his career.

  • Thakkar's Previous Success: In a separate WTT Star Contender event earlier in March 2025, Manav Thakkar achieved a milestone by becoming the first Indian male player to reach the semifinals of a WTT Star Contender event. In that particular match, though he put up a fight and narrowly lost the first two games, he was defeated 3-1 (12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7).

Tactical Insights and Player Backgrounds

Lubomír Jancarik, currently ranked 174th in the world, has demonstrated an ability to perform against higher-ranked opponents. His victory suggests a keen understanding of his opponents' strategies and an effective execution of his own game plan.

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Manav Thakkar, ranked 33rd, has been on a positive trajectory, with his previous performance at a WTT Star Contender event in Chennai marking a significant achievement for Indian table tennis. His ability to reach semifinals in such events underscores his status as a formidable player.

Analysis of Jancarik's Upset

Jancarik's win against Thakkar can be viewed through several lenses:

  • The Upset Factor: The disparity in rankings (174 vs. 33) makes this a significant upset. It highlights that performance on any given day, coupled with effective strategy, can overcome ranking differences.

  • Psychological Advantage: Having defeated Thakkar previously, Jancarik may have entered the match with a psychological edge. His comment about knowing "the system, his system" reinforces this idea, suggesting a comfort level and confidence derived from past encounters.

  • Strategic Execution: Jancarik's emphasis on understanding Thakkar's system implies a deliberate and executed game plan. The scoreline, with three games decided by close margins, suggests that the match was competitive, and Jancarik's ability to execute his strategy at crucial moments was key.

  • Player Development: For Jancarik, this win is a significant boost, validating his aspirations to reach the top 30 and compete in major events like the Olympics. For Thakkar, while a setback, it serves as a learning experience, offering insights into areas that may need further refinement to counter specific playing styles.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The WTT Star Contender tournament has witnessed a notable upset with Lubomír Jancarik's victory over Manav Thakkar. Jancarik's strategic acumen and prior experience against Thakkar appear to have been pivotal factors. This result underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the importance of individual match preparation and tactical adaptation.

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  • For Jancarik: This win provides significant momentum and validation of his ambitions. It positions him as a player to watch, capable of challenging higher-ranked competitors.

  • For Thakkar: This outcome presents an opportunity for analysis and growth. Refining strategies to counter specific styles and maintaining mental fortitude in close matches will be crucial for his continued ascent.

  • Tournament Impact: Such upsets contribute to the narrative and excitement of tournaments, demonstrating that on any given day, a determined player with a solid plan can achieve significant results. The performance of Snehit also indicates a strong showing from Indian players in the event.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the match between Lubomir Jancarik and Manav Thakkar?
Lubomir Jancarik won the match. He is ranked 174 and Manav Thakkar is ranked 33.
Q: What was the score of the match?
Jancarik won with a score of 11-6, 11-7, 9-11, and 11-9.
Q: Why was this win a surprise?
It was a surprise because Jancarik is ranked much lower than Thakkar. Thakkar was the fourth seed in the tournament.
Q: What did Jancarik say about his win?
Jancarik said he understood his opponent's playing style and waited to see what he would change.
Q: Did any other Indian players do well?
Yes, Snehit from India also won a difficult match against his opponent from Japan.