U Mumba TT Secures Back-to-Back Crowns as Manush Shah Disrupts Goa Final
U Mumba TT successfully defended their Ultimate Table Tennis title by halting the unbeaten streak of Dempo Goa Challengers. Manush Shah emerged as the primary catalyst, turning the tide in both mixed doubles and singles play during the season 7 finale.
Strategic Shifts and Momentum Swings
In a high-stakes encounter at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, U Mumba TT claimed a second consecutive Ultimate Table Tennis championship. Defeating the previously unbeaten Dempo Goa Challengers 8-5, the defending champions relied on tactical resilience after a difficult start. The Goa side initially seized the lead through teenage talent P.B. Abhinandh. Utilizing an unconventional long-pimpled backhand, Abhinandh frustrated Frenchman Lilian Bardet. While Bardet recovered to win the final game of their set with aggressive forehand play, Goa maintained early control.
The momentum favored the Challengers further when World No. 24 Bernadette Szocs faced World No. 34 Anna Hursey. Despite trailing early, Szocs executed a clinical six-point run to secure a 2-1 set victory, leaving U Mumba trailing 4-2 as the match entered its middle phase.
The Manush Shah Intervention
The trajectory of the final shifted entirely during the mixed doubles segment. U Mumba’s Manush Shah and Anna Hursey delivered a dominant performance, shutting out the pair of Alvaro Robles and Syndrela Das 3-0. This clinical sweep neutralized the home crowd of 1,200 spectators and leveled the overall scoreboard.
Shah then transitioned into a high-octane singles battle against Alvaro Robles. The two left-handers engaged in the match's most technical exchanges, highlighted by a 13-shot rally won by Robles in the first game. However, Shah demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. Trailing 9-10 in the second game, he saved a set point to force a golden point, which he won after Robles committed an error. Shah dominated the final set, forcing mistakes from the Spaniard and moving U Mumba within a single game of the trophy.
Tactical Depth Clinches the Defense
With a 7-5 lead, U Mumba management opted for Anusha Kutumbale over Nithyashree Mani for the closing singles match against Syndrela Das. The tactical choice proved effective. While the young Das attempted a high-risk attacking strategy to bridge the gap, Kutumbale remained disciplined, focused on high-percentage placement. Although Das saved two championship points, a final unforced error on a golden point sealed the 8-5 victory for U Mumba.
Final Match Logistics
- Lilian Bardet vs. Abhinandh P.B.: 7-11, 9-11, 11-6
- Anna Hursey vs. Bernadette Szocs: 11-5, 7-11, 7-11
- Shah/Hursey vs. Robles/Das: 11-8, 11-7, 11-9
- Manush Shah vs. Alvaro Robles: 6-11, 11-10, 11-5
- Anusha Kutumbale vs. Syndrela Das: 11-10
Source: The Hindu — Home
