Star paddlers Manika Batra and Natalia Bajor produced exhilarating performances as Bengaluru Smashers beat Puneri Paltan Table Tennis 8-7 in a hard-fought clash in the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 4 at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, here on Sunday.
Puneri Paltan Table Tennis needed only a game to win to clinch the tie when Natalia came to the table for the last tie (Women's Singles) and defeated Archana Kamath 3-0 to keep Bengaluru Smashers alive in the franchise-based league, which is promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). .
The first game saw a thrilling 11-8 win for Natalia. She played accurate backhands coupled with powerful forehands to take the second game by the same scoreline. The Polish paddler kept her nerve in the decider and won it by 11-9 with her pinpoint shots.
Earlier, Manika thumped Hana Matelova 2-1 in the second match of the tie to register her third women's singles victory in season 4 for Bengaluru Smashers.
The World No. 35 showed immaculate control on her backends early on to win the first game 11-9 before Hana fought back brilliantly to clinch the second game 11-8 and took the match into the decider.
However, India's highest-ranked women's player did not lose her focus and pocketed the third game 11-6 as well as the match.
World No. 58 Kirill Gerassimenko beat 2018 ITTF African-Cup champion Omar Assar 2-1 to give Bengaluru franchise a perfect start.
The World No.23 Omar began the first game in aggressive mode and targeted the flanks to win it by 11-8 before Kirill made an astonishing comeback to clinch the second game through a golden point. The third game also went to the golden point where the Kazak paddler showcased immense mental fortitude to take the game and match.
In the third match (Mixed Doubles) of the tie, Hana and Manush Shah beat Manika and Kirill 3-0 as they brought Puneri Paltan Table Tennis back into the contest.
The Bengaluru Smashers pair had a good start but Hana and Manush were quick to react and won the first game 11-9. They carried the momentum to clinch the second game through the golden point. The third game also went in the favour of Hana and Manush by 11-4.
Puneri Paltan Table Tennis further extended their lead as Manush defeated Jeet Chandra 2-1 in the penultimate match of the tie.
The Vadodara-based paddler looked confident from the first serve and clinched the opening game 11-9 before winning the next by the same scoreline. Jeet pocketed the third game 11-7 to keep Bengaluru Smashers' hopes alive.
Tie result:
Puneri Paltan TT lost to Bengaluru Smashers 7-8: Omar Assar lost to Kirill Gerassimenko 1-2 (11-8, 10-11, 10-11); Hana Matelova lost to Manika Batra 1-2 (9-11, 11-8, 6-11); Manush/Hana bt Kirill/Manika 3-0 (11-9, 11-10, 11-4); Manush Shah beat Jeet Chandra 2-1 (11-9, 11-9, 7-11); Archana Kamath lost to Natalia Bajor 0-3 (8-11, 8-11, 9-11).
Being 'Delhi da Munda' means having a stress-free approach, says Kohli ahead of 300th ODI
As India are set to face New Zealand in Dubai to determine who tops Group A in the Champions Trophy, India star batter Virat Kohli opened up about his Delhi roots and said his prototype 'Delhi da munda' denotes a stress-free approach towards things.
Women's Pro League: India beat World No. 1 Netherlands 2-1 in shootout, Hockey India announces cash prize
Following the incredible upset victory, Hockey India announced a cash award of Rs 1 lakh to each Indian player and Rs 50,000 to each member of the support staff in addition to their existing policy of rewarding Rs 50,000 for every victory.
India don't need to be complacent, should focus on big matches ahead: BCCI Secy
After India's thumping six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia lauded the team for their effort and advised them to not be complacent and focus on the big matches ahead.
Big games equal big names: Ponting lauds Kohli's masterclass against Pakistan in CT
Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has lauded India star batter Virat Kohli’s ability to step up in crucial moments after the right-hander steered India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy with a rollicking unbeaten ton.
India beat Bangladesh for 2-0 lead in Men’s Bilateral T20 Cricket Series for the Blind
India continued their winning streak, securing a 43-run victory over Bangladesh in the second game of the five-match Men’s Bilateral T20 Cricket Series for the Blind 2025 here on Monday.
Champions Trophy: Indian team management will be extremely happy with near-perfect execution, says Paranjape
Jatin Paranjape, the former India cricketer and national selector, stated that the current team management will be thrilled with the near-flawless execution by the Rohit Sharma-led side in registering a six-wicket win over Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
NRAI announces 35-member Indian Shooting team for year’s first two ISSF World Cups
Olympic Games double-bronze medallist Manu Bhaker is the only one selected for two individual events by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) for the year's first two World Cups which will kick-start the international shooting sports season for 2025.
Mumbai Open: Indian duo of Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Riya Bhatia enter QF
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Riya Bhatia, Prarthana Thombare and Rutuja Bhosale all enter the quarter final stage of the Mumbai Open 2025 after what was a fruitful day for India’s doubles charge.