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Ultimate Table Tennis: Jeet Chandra Upsets India’s No. 1 Harmeet Desai as Bengaluru Smashers Defeat Goa Challengers
Despite their loss, Goa Challengers have confirmed their spot in the semifinals of Ultimate Table Tennis with 36 points.
Jeet Chandra of Bengaluru Smashers in action against Goa Challengers.
Pune: Rising star Jeet Chandra caused a major upset by defeating India’s top-ranked men’s singles player Harmeet Desai, leading Bengaluru Smashers to a 9-6 victory over Goa Challengers in Season 4 of Ultimate Table Tennis at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex on Tuesday. However, despite the loss, the Goa franchise has secured their place in the semifinals with 36 points. Bengaluru Smashers now hope for favorable results in the remaining matches of Season 4.
Jeet had a strong start and surprised Harmeet with his powerful shots, winning the first game 11-7. He continued this momentum in the second game, using swift movements and precise control to secure the same scoreline. Harmeet managed to win the third game through a golden point.
On the women’s side, Manika Batra continued her exceptional form, defeating T Reeth Rishya 3-0. This marks her fourth victory in women’s singles in Season 4 for Bengaluru Smashers. Manika displayed strong attacking play from the start, quickly taking a significant lead and winning the first game 11-4 with a precise backhand. She continued to utilize her reach and attacking skills, securing an 11-5 victory in the second game and an 11-7 victory in the third game.
In another exciting contest, Bengaluru Smashers’ Kirill Gerassimenko defeated former World Championships silver medalist Alvaro Robles 2-1. Alvaro won the first game impressively with precise shots, but Kirill made a strong comeback to win the second game 11-8. In the decider, Kirill showcased his best performance, playing aggressive forehands to secure an 11-5 victory and win the match.
In the mixed doubles match, Robles and Reeth defeated Manika and Kirill 2-1, keeping the Goa franchise’s hopes alive. Bengaluru Smashers initially won the first game 11-7, but Robles and Reeth fought back to win the next two games 11-8 and 11-9.
The final match of the tie saw Goa Challengers’ Suthasini Sawettabut defeat Natalia Bajor 2-1 (7-11, 11-5, 11-7), securing her franchise’s place in the knockout stage of the league.
Tie Result: Goa Challengers 6-9 Bengaluru Smashers
Alvaro Robles 1-2 Kirill Gerassimenko (11-3, 8-11, 5-11)
Reeth Tennison 0-3 Manika Batra (5-11, 5-11, 7-11)
Alvaro/Reeth 2-1 Kirill/Manika (7-11, 11-8, 11-9)
Harmeet Desai 1-2 Jeet Chandra (7-11, 7-11, 11-10)
Suthasini Sawettabut 2-1 Natalia Bajor (7-11, 11-5, 11-7)
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