Archana stuns Suthasini as Puneri records the first victory

RED INK: World No. 159 Archana Kamath upset Suthasini Sawettabut in a thrilling contest as Puneri Palta Table Tennis beat Goa Challengers 8-7 to register their first win in Ultimate Table Tennis Season 4 at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge-Balewadi in Pune on Monday. .

The Karnataka paddler took an early lead as he played precise backhands to upset world No. 39 Suthasin. Archana didn’t lose momentum and won the first game 11-6 before bringing her A-game to the table to win the second game 11-8 and draw for Puneri Paltan. He lost the third game 6-11, but secured his winning streak.

Goas Harmeet faced Manushi in the first match of the tie (men’s singles) and earned three valuable team points from their set.

Both the Gujarat-based paddlers went toe-to-toe from the start of the tie and played with attacking intent to collect points. The first game went to Harmeet 11-10 through a golden point.

The world number 65 held his nerve in the second game despite falling behind Manushi early on. Harmeet easily reduced the three-point deficit before winning the game 11-9. The third game was also decided through a golden point where the Goa Challengers paddler used his quick moments effectively and registered the win to put his streak in a comfortable position.

In the second match of the tie (women’s singles), Reeth Tennison beat Hana Matelova 2-1 to increase Goas’ lead to 5-1.

The Czech paddler completely dominated the first game as he beat Reeth 11-3 before the Indian made a comeback in the tie to take the second game via golden point. In the third game, Reeth was by far at his best as he recorded an 11-3 victory to put his series comfortably level.

Manush and Hana defeated Harmeet and Suthasini Sawettabut in the third match of the tie (mixed doubles) 3-0 to bring Puner back into the contest and reduce the deficit to 5-4.

The pair of Manush and Hana looked to be in complete control of the match as they took the first game through the golden point before winning the second 11-3. The third game also went in Manushi and Hana’s favor 11-7 as they returned to a draw.

World number 23 Omar Assar went into the fourth match (men’s singles) in a tie against Alvaro Robles with positive intentions. He won it 2-1 to level the score at 6-6 and give Puner a chance to win.