Reigning champions U Mumba TT secured a 9-6 victory over Maharashtra rivals PBG Pune Jaguars in Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7. The match, held at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium near Panaji, saw U Mumba climb to the top of the standings with their second consecutive win. The highlight of the game was a thrilling Golden Point finish by France’s Lilian Bardet against Omar Assar, sealing the win for U Mumba.
Living up to expectations, the Maharashtra Derby began with Pune’s Snehit Suravajjula claiming the first victory by defeating Manush Shah in the Men’s Singles. However, U Mumba quickly responded as Anna Hursey triumphed over Diya Chitale, leveling the tie. The turning point came in the mixed doubles, where Manush and Hursey outplayed Snehit and Prithika Pavade, giving U Mumba a crucial lead.
The momentum continued to swing as Assar and Bardet engaged in a fierce battle, with Bardet eventually clinching the win for U Mumba. Despite the outcome being decided, Pavade secured a positive end for Pune with a victory over Anusha Kutumbale. Manush was awarded the Indian Player of the Tie, while Hursey received recognition as the Foreign Player and Player of the Tie.
In the UTT Juniors competition, Dabang Delhi TTC narrowly defeated UP Prometheans 5-4 to stay in the playoff race. Ahmedabad APL Pipers also emerged victorious with a 5-4 win over PBG Pune Jaguars, although both teams were eliminated from semifinal contention.
