Tennis: Jeet Chandra gave a stunning 2-1 defeat to India’s top-ranked men’s singles paddler Harmeet Desai.
In a surprising turn of events, rising star Jeet Chandra dealt a stunning 2-1 defeat to India’s top-ranked men’s singles paddler Harmeet Desai during the Ultimate Table Tennis Season 4 match between Bengaluru Smashers and Goa Challengers at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge-Balewadi, on Tuesday night.
Despite the loss, the Goa Challengers secured a spot in the semi-finals with 36 points. On the other hand, Bengaluru Smashers, with 35 points, will be hoping for favorable outcomes in the remaining ties of Season 4 to boost their chances.
Jeet Chandra made an impressive start, catching the Surat-based paddler off guard with his powerful shots and securing the first game 11-7. He continued his dominant performance in the following game, displaying swift movements and immaculate control to claim the second game with the same scoreline. However, Harmeet managed to turn the tide in the third game, securing a golden point victory.
Meanwhile, Manika Batra showcased her scintillating form as she notched up her fourth women’s singles victory of Season 4 for Bengaluru Smashers. She defeated T Reeth Rishya, who had recently stunned World No. 28 Lily Zhang, with a commanding 3-0 scoreline. Employing aggressive tactics from the very beginning, Manika took a significant lead and won the first game 11-4 with a precise backhand. Her attacking prowess and reach enabled her to secure the second game 11-5 and continue her momentum to clinch an 11-7 victory in the third game.
Earlier in an exciting contest, Bengaluru Smashers’ Kirill Gerassimenko overcame former World Championships silver medalist Alvaro Robles with a 2-1 scoreline. Robles dominated the first game, exhibiting immaculate precision to win 11-3. However, Kirill made a strong comeback in the second game, claiming an 11-8 victory to push the match into a decider. In the third game, Kirill unleashed ferocious forehands on both flanks, ultimately clinching the decider 11-5 and the match.
During the mixed doubles match, Robles and Reeth secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Manika and Kirill, keeping the Goa franchise’s hopes alive in Season 4. After Bengaluru Smashers took the first game 11-7, Robles and Reeth made a comeback, winning the next two games 11-8 and 11-9.
In the final match of the tie, Goa Challengers’ Suthasini Sawettabut defeated Natalia Bajor 2-1 (7-11, 11-5, 11-7), securing her franchise’s place in the knockout stage of the league.
All the Season 4 ties commence at 7.30 PM.