UTT Season 7: Kolkata ThunderBlades Boost Playoff Hopes, Goa Challengers Stay Unbeaten

Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 witnessed another exciting day of action as HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades boosted their playoff ambitions with a dominant 10-5 victory over UP Prometheans. Meanwhile, Dempo Goa Challengers continued their impressive unbeaten run after surviving a tough challenge from PBG Pune Jaguars and securing a narrow 8-7 win.

Ankur Bhattacharjee and Ayhika Mukherjee Lead Kolkata to Crucial Victory

Kolkata ThunderBlades were once again powered by the outstanding performances of Ankur Bhattacharjee and Ayhika Mukherjee. Ankur started the tie strongly by defeating Manav Thakkar in straight games, winning two tense Golden Point contests before comfortably taking the third game.

Zeng Jian then extended Kolkata’s advantage by overcoming Swastika Ghosh in three games. The unbeaten mixed doubles pair of Ankur and Ayhika continued their excellent run this season, moving Kolkata closer to victory with another commanding performance.

UP Prometheans responded through Ricardo Walther, who defeated Eduard Ionescu in straight games to keep the tie alive. However, Ayhika Mukherjee ended any hopes of a comeback by defeating Sayali Wani in straight games and sealing the overall win for Kolkata.

Ankur Bhattacharjee was named both the ChatGPT Match IQ Player and Indian Player of the Tie. Ricardo Walther received the Foreign Player of the Tie award, while Ayhika Mukherjee claimed the Bisleri Shot of the Tie honor.

Goa Challengers Survive Pune Scare to Stay Unbeaten

Earlier in the day, Dempo Goa Challengers faced a stern test against PBG Pune Jaguars but managed to preserve their unbeaten record with a hard-fought 8-7 victory.

Pune made a strong start as Omar Assar came from a game down to hand Abhinandh PB his first singles defeat of the season. Goa responded through Bernadette Szocs, who delivered a flawless straight-games victory over Prithika Pavade.

The tie remained evenly balanced throughout. Snehit Suravajjula defeated Robles, leaving Goa needing a positive result in the final match.

Under immense pressure, 16-year-old Syndrela Das showcased remarkable composure. After winning the opening game and seeing Diya level the contest, Syndrela responded brilliantly by taking the decider 11-8 to clinch the tie and maintain Goa’s unbeaten streak.

Omar Assar earned the ChatGPT Match IQ Player award, Syndrela Das was named Indian Player of the Tie, and Bernadette Szocs received the Foreign Player of the Tie honor. Anirban won the Bisleri Shot of the Tie award.

U Mumba TT Crowned Dream UTT Juniors Champions

In the Dream UTT Juniors final, U Mumba TT secured their maiden title with a convincing 5-2 victory over Dabang Delhi TTC.

Somdev Sengupta laid the foundation with a win in the boys’ singles before partnering Ahona Ray to capture the mixed doubles match. Ahona then completed the title-winning performance by securing victory in the girls’ singles, helping U Mumba TT lift the championship trophy.

Key Highlights

• Kolkata ThunderBlades defeated UP Prometheans 10-5 to strengthen their playoff hopes.
• Ankur Bhattacharjee and Ayhika Mukherjee remained unbeaten in mixed doubles.
• Dempo Goa Challengers edged Pune Jaguars 8-7 and stayed unbeaten in UTT Season 7.
• Teenager Syndrela Das clinched the decisive match for Goa under pressure.
• U Mumba TT won their first Dream UTT Juniors title with a 5-2 victory over Dabang Delhi TTC.