Four rounds completed, close race for top spot

by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

At the conclusion on the Delhi visit, Dabang Smashers and RP-SG Mavericks lead the table, each with 48 points, a competition where it is expect the unexpected.

Notably, Dabang Smashers suffered a 12-9 defeat at the hands of Maharashtra United, at the time, the outfit at the foot of the table. They performed a quite remarkable recovery.

Trailing 2-7; João Monteiro beat Masaki Yoshida (11-5, 6-11, 11-9), Elizabeta Samara overcame Adriana Diaz (11-6, 9-11, 11-2), before Amalraj Anthony levelled matters by defeating Cédric Nuytinck (11-9, 11-9, 11-9). The contest in the balance, Elizabeta Samara, with left ankle heavily strapped, completed the Maharashtra fightback. She accounted for Manika Batra (11-9, 11-8, 11-9).

Notably, the recovery came after Sakura Mori had secured six points for Dabang Smashers by overcoming Madhurika Patkar (11-4, 11-8, 11-9), prior to joining forces with Sathiyan Gnanasekaran to secure the Mixed Doubles against Amalraj Anthony and Lily Zhang (11-5, 11-6, 11-5).

Defeat for Dabang Smashers means that RP-SG Mavericks is the only unbeaten team in the competition. They concluded their fourth series of ties with success in opposition to Warriors, a narrow 11-10 victory margin being the order of the day. Harmeet Desai and Doo Hoi Kem, alongside Sharath Kamal Achanta were the players to stand out.

On duty for the Warriors, Sharath Kamal Achanta beat Mattias Karlsson (7-11, 11-10, 11-7), before teaming with Hana Matelova to secure the doubles against Harmeet Desai and Doo Hoi Kem (7-11, 11-10, 11-7). Doubles defeat but notably singles success; Doo Hoi Kem beat Sofia Polcanova (11-7, 9-11, 11-5), most impressively Harmeet Desai accounted for Quadri Aruna (11-8, 4-11, 11-7).

Winning performances from Maharashtra United and RP-SG Mavericks, it was the same from Falcons TTC; they beat Empowerji Challengers 15-6 to move into third place.

Vital to the success, Liam Pitchford beat Tiago Apolonia (8-11, 11-7, 11-8), Bernadette Szocs defeated Lee Ho Ching (11-9, 11-3, 11-10), whilst Alvaro Robles accounted for Manav Thakkar (11-10, 11-9, 11-2).
Play now moves to Kolkata, the final stop on the itinerary.

Latest Positions: 1. Dabang Smasher 48pts 2. RP-SG Mavericks 48pts 3. Falcons TTC 45pts 4. Maharashta United 38pts 5. Warriors TTC 37pts 6. Empowerji Challengers 36pts

CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis: Latest News

CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis: Thursday 14th June – Falcons TTC v Maharashtra United

CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis: Friday 15th June – RP-SG Mavericks v Empowerji Challengers

CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis: Saturday 16th June – Dabang Smashers TTC v Warriors TTC

CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis: Sunday 17th June – RP-SG Mavericks v Maharashtra United

CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis: Monday 18th June – Dabang Smashers TTC v Falcons TTC

CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis: Tuesday 19th June – Warriors TTC v Empowerji Challengers

CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis: Wednesday 20th June – Dabang Smashers v RP-SG Mavericks

CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis: Thursday 21st June – Empowerji Challengers v Maharashtra United

CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis: Friday 22nd June – Warriors TTC v Falcons TTC

CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis: Saturday 23rd June – Maharashtra United v Dabang Smashers

CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis: Sunday 24th June – Empowerji Challengers v Falcons TTC