UTT 2024: Jeet Chandra Stuns Sharath Kamal, Ayhika Mukherjee Upsets Szocs on a Day of Dramatic Victories

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Chennai, Aug 23: The IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) 2024 witnessed a day of stunning upsets as Jeet Chandra and Ayhika Mukherjee delivered standout performances, propelling their respective teams to victory on Friday (August 23).

Jeet Chandra's sensational win over India's top-ranked male paddler, Sharath Kamal, was the highlight of PBG Bengaluru Smashers' dominant 11-4 triumph over hosts Chennai Lions.

Meanwhile, Ayhika Mukherjee's remarkable victory against World No. 13 Bernadette Szocs set the stage for Puneri Paltan Table Tennis' 10-5 win against Ahmedabad SG Pipers.

Promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), the franchise-based league continues to showcase high-intensity matches and unexpected results.

In the evening tie, PBG Bengaluru Smashers' new captain, Alvaro Robles, set the tone with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Frenchman Jules Rolland in the men's singles. Robles, ranked 30th in the world, managed to fend off a determined Rolland to secure the first points for his team. Lily Zhang followed with another 2-1 win over Poymantee Baisya, further extending PBG Bengaluru's lead to 4-2.

Amalraj Anthony, a crowd favourite, then teamed up with Zhang for a mixed doubles showdown against Sharath Kamal and Sakura Mori. The pair secured a 3-0 victory, pushing the Smashers ahead.

Although Manika Batra suffered a close defeat to Sakura Mori in the women's singles, Jeet Chandra's stunning 3-0 win over Sharath Kamal sealed an emphatic 11-4 win for PBG Bengaluru Smashers.

Earlier in the day, Puneri Paltan Table Tennis emerged victorious against Ahmedabad SG Pipers with a 10-5 scoreline. Ayhika Mukherjee was the star, delivering a powerful performance against Bernadette Szocs, winning 3-0.

Despite an initial loss by Joao Monteiro to Manush Shah, the Paltan rallied, with 17-year-old Ankur Bhattacharjee's standout display against France's Lilian Bardet. Although they lost in the mixed doubles, Puneri Paltan Table Tennis ensured a strong finish to claim the win.

Looking ahead, tomorrow's matches will feature Dabang Delhi TTC taking on U Mumba TT, while Athlead Goa Challengers will face Ahmedabad SG Pipers. The first tie is scheduled for 17:00, followed by the second tie at 19:30.

The IndianOil UTT 2024 is being broadcast live on Sports18 Khel and streamed online via JioCinema (India) and Facebook Live (outside India). Tickets for the event are available on BookMyShow and at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.

PBG Bengaluru Smashers bt Chennai Lions 11-4:

1. Alvaro Robles bt Jules Rolland 2-1 (11-8, 8-11, 11-6)
2. Lily Zhang bt Poymantee Baisya 2-1 (9-11, 11-8, 11-3)
3. Amalraj/Zhang bt Sharath/Mori 3-0 (11-10, 11-9, 11-8)
4. Jeet Chandra bt Achanta Sharath Kamal 3-0 (11-6, 11-10, 11-9)
5. Manika Batra lost to Sakura Mori 1-2 (11-5, 5-11, 10-11)

Puneri Paltan Table Tennis bt Ahmedabad SG Pipers 10-5:

1. Joao Monteiro lost to Manush Shah 1-2 (11-5, 7-11, 6-11)
2. Ayhika Mukherjee bt Bernadette Szocs 3-0 (11-7, 11-5, 11-6)
3. Monteiro/Ayhika lost to Manush/Szocs 1-2 (11-7, 3-11, 7-11)
4. Ankur Bhattacharjee bt Lilian Bardet 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-8)
5. Natalia Bajor bt Reeth Rishya 2-1 (7-11, 11-8, 11-5)