Defending champions U Mumba TT showcased their impressive form in Season 7 of Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) by overcoming their Maharashtra rivals, PBG Pune Jaguars, with a 9-6 win at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium on Thursday. This victory marks their second consecutive win, propelling them to the top of the league standings.
Final Score
Following a tentative start, U Mumba took command with an impressive Mixed Doubles performance from captain Manush Shah and Anna Hursey. France’s Lilian Bardet then showcased his composure in a gripping Golden Point finish against Omar Assar, effectively securing the tie for U Mumba and putting Pune out of contention.
The dynamics shifted significantly during the mixed doubles match where Manush and Hursey excelled, dominating Snehit and Prithika Pavade in straight games. This victory provided a vital advantage for the reigning champions. Pune’s hopes rested on Omar Assar, who initially took the lead against Lilian Bardet. However, Bardet rallied to even the match, leading to a memorable final game. Assar electrified the crowd with an incredible around-the-net shot, which was later recognized as the Bisleri Shot of the Tie. Ultimately, Bardet remained cool under pressure during the Golden Point, completing the comeback and securing U Mumba’s second consecutive victory.
Although the outcome was already determined, Pavade concluded the match on a high for Pune by defeating Anusha Kutumbale 2-1. Their contest featured the season’s longest rally, an intense 31-shot exchange, highlighting Pavade’s defensive skills before Anusha faltered. Anusha responded brilliantly, taking the third game on Golden Point with a stunning backhand winner.
In other news from the UTT Juniors, Butterfly UTT’s grassroots competition happening alongside Season 7, Dabang Delhi TTC narrowly defeated UP Prometheans 5-4 to keep their playoff aspirations alive; UP remained in the playoff race despite the close loss. Meanwhile, Ahmedabad APL Pipers wrapped up their campaign with a 5-4 win over PBG Pune Jaguars, though both teams were eliminated from semifinal contention.
U Mumba TT 9-6 PBG Pune Jaguars
Manush Shah (U Mumba) lost to Snehit Suravajjula (PBG Pune Jaguars) 1-2 (11-6, 9-11, 6-11)
Anna Hursey (U Mumba) defeated Diya Chitale (PBG Pune Jaguars) 2-1 (11-9, 9-11, 11-6)
Manush Shah/Anna Hursey (U Mumba) beat Snehit Suravajjula/Prithika Pavade (PBG Pune Jaguars) 3-0 (11-9, 11-4, 11-7)
Lilian Bardet (U Mumba) triumphed over Omar Assar (PBG Pune Jaguars) 2-1 (7-11, 11-7, 11-10)
Anusha Kutumbale (PBG Pune Jaguars) lost to Prithika Pavade (U Mumba) 1-2 (8-11, 10-11, 11-10)
Player Focus
Organized by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) and supported by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani, UTT Season 7 showcases 42 talented players from across the globe, including 14 Olympians. The season aims to enhance the Indian table tennis landscape through top-tier competition and initiatives focused on continuous development throughout the year.
Staying true to its excitement, the Maharashtra Derby commenced with Pune making a strong start as Snehit Suravajjula maintained his unbeaten streak this season, rallying from a game down to secure victory over Manush in the opening Men’s Singles match. U Mumba quickly retaliated, thanks to Hursey’s composed performance, as he defeated Diya Chitale in three straight games to equalize the matchup.
For their outstanding performances, Manush was awarded the Indian Player of the Tie, while Hursey received the titles of Foreign Player and the ChatGPT Match IQ Player of the Tie.
