HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades defeated U Mumba TT 8-7, halting their winning streak in Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7 at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Taleigao near Panaji. Despite the loss, U Mumba secured a spot in the semifinals due to their superior game count, alongside Kolkata and league leaders Dempo Goa Challengers.
Taneesha Kotecha of Kolkata impressed by handing Anna Hursey her first defeat of the season, while Zeng Jian secured the victory in the final match. This outcome ensured both teams’ advancement to the knockout stage, with only one spot left to be filled.
The UTT Season 7, organized by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), features 42 players worldwide, including 14 Olympians, contributing to the growth of Indian table tennis through elite competition and developmental initiatives.
Kolkata took the lead with Eduard Ionescu’s win over Manush Shah, followed by Taneesha’s upset victory against Hursey. U Mumba fought back in the mixed doubles, narrowing the gap. The intense competition continued with Lilian Bardet’s win for U Mumba and Nithyashree Mani’s leveling victory, leading to a decisive final game won by Jian, securing Kolkata’s win and both teams’ progression to the semifinals.
Taneesha was awarded the Indian Player of the Tie, while Bardet received the MatchIQ Player and Foreign Player of the Tie honors. Ankur was recognized with the Bisleri Shot of the Tie award.
