Manav Thakkar Triumphs Over Sharath Kamal as U Mumba Edges Chennai Lions 8-7

By
Teja Devathoti
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7
Manav Thakkar

In a thrilling encounter at the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) 2024, Manav Thakkar delivered a stunning performance to defeat the seasoned Achanta Sharath Kamal, leading U Mumba TT to a narrow 8-7 victory over Chennai Lions. The match, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, showcased the intense competition and high stakes of the league.

Manav Thakkar vs Sharath Kamal

The match between Manav Thakkar and Sharath Kamal was a highlight of the evening. Thakkar, known for his agility and precision, faced a formidable opponent in Kamal, who brought years of experience and tactical prowess to the table. The game began with Kamal taking the first set 11-6, putting Thakkar on the back foot. However, Thakkar’s resilience shone through as he fought back to win the next two sets 11-8, 11-9, securing a crucial victory for his team.

Mixed Doubles Magic

Earlier in the evening, Thakkar teamed up with Spanish star Maria Xiao in the mixed doubles match against Sharath Kamal and Sakura Mori. The duo displayed excellent coordination and strategy, outclassing their opponents with a straight-sets win of 11-7, 11-10, 11-4. This victory set the tone for U Mumba TT’s overall performance and boosted their confidence going into the singles matches.

Key Performances

  • Aruna Quadri: The Nigerian star gave U Mumba TT an early lead with a hard-fought victory against Jules Rolland. Quadri’s match was a rollercoaster, with both players exchanging points rapidly. Quadri eventually triumphed 10-11, 11-9, 11-7, showcasing his tenacity and skill.
  • Sakura Mori: Despite her loss in the mixed doubles, Mori redeemed herself in the women’s singles by defeating Sutirtha Mukherjee 8-11, 10-11, 7-11. Her performance was crucial in keeping Chennai Lions in contention.
  • Maria Xiao: Xiao played a pivotal role in U Mumba TT’s success. Apart from her mixed doubles win, she faced Mouma Das in the women’s singles. Although Xiao lost the match 10-11, 8-11, and 11-10, her efforts were instrumental in maintaining the team’s momentum.

The Decisive Moments

The final moments of the tie were filled with tension and excitement. U Mumba TT, leading at that point, seemed poised for a comfortable win. However, Chennai Lions’ Mouma Das had other plans. Das nearly turned the tide in the last match of the tie, pushing Xiao to her limits. Xiao’s narrow escape with an 11-10 win in the final set ensured U Mumba TT’s overall victory.

Impact on the League Standings

With this win, U Mumba TT jumped to the second spot on the league table with 29 points, while Chennai Lions remained at 19 points. The victory not only boosted U Mumba TT’s position but also highlighted the team’s depth and versatility. Thakkar’s unbeaten record this season has been a significant factor in their success, and his leadership on the court continues to inspire his teammates.

Also Read: US Open 2024: Rohan Bopanna and Yuki Bhambri Reach Men’s Doubles Pre-Quarters

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