Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Jul 17: Defending champions U Mumba TT continued their impressive comeback in Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7, defeating Maharashtra rivals PBG Pune Jaguars 9-6 at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Taleigao on Thursday.
The victory marked U Mumba’s second consecutive win of the season and helped them move to the top of the standings.
The Maharashtra derby began with Pune Jaguars taking an early lead as Snehit Suravajjula extended his unbeaten run this season by defeating U Mumba captain Manush Shah in the opening men’s singles clash. Suravajjula recovered strongly after losing the first game to secure victory.
U Mumba quickly responded through Anna Hursey, who delivered another composed performance to defeat Diya Chitale in three games and level the tie.
The defending champions then took control in the mixed doubles contest, where Manush and Hursey combined brilliantly to beat Snehit and Prithika Pavade in straight games, giving U Mumba a crucial advantage.
Pune’s hopes depended on experienced campaigner Omar Assar, who faced France’s Lilian Bardet in a thrilling men’s singles encounter. Assar won the opening game, but Bardet fought back to level the match and forced a deciding game.
The final game produced some spectacular moments, including Assar’s stunning around-the-net winner that was later named the Shot of the Tie. However, Bardet held his composure during the Golden Point finish to secure the victory and seal U Mumba’s second successive triumph.
With the tie already decided, Prithika Pavade helped Pune end the contest on a positive note by defeating Anusha Kutumbale 2-1. The match also witnessed the longest rally of the season, featuring a 31-shot exchange before Pavade eventually won the point.
Anusha responded strongly in the final game, clinching it on Golden Point with a brilliant backhand winner, but Pune could not overturn the overall result.
Manush Shah was named the Indian Player of the Tie, while Anna Hursey earned both the Foreign Player of the Tie and Player of the Tie awards for her outstanding contribution.
Meanwhile, in the UTT Juniors competition held alongside Season 7, Dabang Delhi TTC defeated UP Prometheans 5-4 to keep their playoff hopes alive. Despite the loss, UP Prometheans remained in contention for a top-four finish.
Ahmedabad APL Pipers also secured a 5-4 win over PBG Pune Jaguars, though both teams were eliminated from semifinal contention.