UTT: Goa, Kolkata secure semifinal berths
Dempo Goa Challengers and HVR Kolkata Thunder Blades have secured semifinal spots in the Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7. Goa maintained their unbeaten streak with a narrow 8-7 victory, while Kolkata dominated the UP Prometheans.
Why it matters
The results solidify the playoff bracket for a major Indian sports league, showcasing the growth of professional table tennis in the region.
Dempo Goa Challengers continued its dream run, edging past PBG Pune Jaguars on Sunday, to preserve its unbeaten record and become the first team to book a semifinal berth in Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7.
It was a collective effort, with captain Bernadette Szocs setting the tone by sweeping aside Prithika Pavade. Although the lanky left-handed Alvaro Robles lost an absorbing singles contest to S.F.R. Snehit, the home side found match-winners in P.B. Abhinandh and Syndrela Das, whose contributions proved decisive.
Abhinandh, one of the revelations of the season, continued his impressive run despite suffering his first defeat of the campaign.
The teenager stretched World No. 35 Omar Assar to the hilt and, though he lost the decider, his opening-game victory turned out to be vital in the 8-7 win.
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