UTT | ThunderBlades edge Lions, begin campaign on a winning note
The Hindu
Kolkata ThunderBlades debut in Ultimate Table Tennis with a thrilling 8-7 victory over Chennai Lions.
“Let’s make some noise!” It was the mantra for Kolkata ThunderBlades, the latest entrant to the Ultimate Table Tennis bandwagon.
The franchise owners left no stone unturned in getting a fan army in the stands and the paddlers responded as they edged past Chennai Lions to start off their sojourn on a winning note.
Setting the tone
Ankur Bhattacharjee blanked the fancied Kirill Gerassimenko 3-0 to set the tone before Adriana Diaz, the Puerto Rican world No. 17, marked her return to UTT after seven years by winning the deciding game of the tie against former national champion Poymantee Baisya to hand ThunderBlades an 8-7 win.
Ankur was the pick of the day’s proceedings.
After overpowering the world No. 55 in the opening game, the second game witnessed a spree of rallies with Gerassimenko trying to take control.
Ankur’s class was displayed in the 23-shot rally at 8-7 in the second game when the Indian finished it off with a forehand top-spin.
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