Manika Batra secured a dominant win over Prithika Pavade, propelling Ahmedabad APL Pipers to the top of the table with a 10-5 triumph over PBG Pune Jaguars in Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 at the Dr Shayama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Taleigao near Panaji. The victory was sealed after strong performances by Adrien Rassenfosse, Sofia Polcanova, and the mixed doubles team of Payas Jain and Polcanova.
The event, sanctioned by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) and supported by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani, features 42 players worldwide, including 14 Olympians. The competition aims to enhance the Indian table tennis landscape through elite contests and year-round developmental efforts.
Ahmedabad’s success began with Rassenfosse defeating Snehit Suravajjula in three games, followed by Polcanova’s comeback win against Diya Chitale. Payas Jain and Polcanova extended the lead with a solid mixed doubles performance, while Omar Assar’s victory kept Pune in the game. However, Manika Batra’s commanding display ensured a comprehensive win for the Pipers.
Polcanova was recognized as the ChatGPT Match IQ Player and Foreign Player of the Tie, while Manika received the Indian Player of the Tie award. Pavade was honored with the Bisleri Shot of the Tie accolade. In other matches, Dabang Delhi TTC and U Mumba TT emerged victorious in the UTT Juniors competition, advancing to the final scheduled for the following day.
