Dempo Goa Challengers created history in UTT Season 7 by defeating UP Prometheans 10-5 to complete an unbeaten league campaign. The two-time champions finished top of the standings and advanced confidently to the Ultimate Table Tennis semifinals.
Dempo Goa Challengers scripted history in Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 by becoming the first team ever to complete the league phase unbeaten. The two-time champions defeated UP Prometheans 10-5 in their final league match on Wednesday, extending their flawless run to six consecutive victories and securing the top spot in the standings ahead of the semifinals.
The landmark victory highlighted Goa Challengers’ consistency and dominance throughout the competition. Having defeated every opponent they faced during the league stage, the team entered the knockout rounds with immense confidence and momentum, setting a new benchmark in the history of the tournament.
The foundation for Goa’s historic triumph was laid by Alvaro Robles and Bernadette Szocs, who delivered commanding performances in the opening singles matches. Robles began the evening with an emphatic straight-games victory over Sudhanshu Grover, winning 11-7, 11-5, 11-4 to hand Goa an early lead.
Bernadette Szocs followed with another crucial win against Sayali Wani. Although Wani staged a spirited comeback by claiming the second game, Szocs maintained her composure to secure the match 2-1 with scores of 11-3, 9-11, 11-9. Her victory doubled Goa’s advantage and placed the defending champions firmly in control.
The decisive moment of the tie came in the mixed doubles contest, where Bernadette Szocs partnered with Abhinandh PB. The duo edged Ricardo Walther and Swastika Ghosh in three tightly contested games, winning 11-9, 11-10, 11-9. The victory not only sealed the overall tie for Goa Challengers but also confirmed their place in history as the first unbeaten team in the UTT league phase.
UP Prometheans managed to salvage some pride in the closing matches. Manav Thakkar produced an impressive performance to defeat Abhinandh PB 2-1. It marked Abhinandh’s second consecutive singles defeat after enjoying an outstanding campaign for much of the season.
Former two-time UTT MVP Yangzi Liu then showcased her experience by recovering from the loss of the opening game to defeat teenage sensation Syndrela Das 2-1. Despite those late victories, UP could not overturn Goa’s commanding lead established in the earlier matches.
Several Goa players received individual recognition for their outstanding performances. Bernadette Szocs was named both the MatchIQ Player of the Tie and the Foreign Player of the Tie after playing a pivotal role in both the singles and mixed doubles victories. Abhinandh PB received the Indian Player of the Tie award, while Alvaro Robles earned the Bisleri Shot of the Tie honour for his brilliant display.
Organised under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), Butterfly UTT Season 7 continues to showcase world-class table tennis while strengthening the Indian table tennis ecosystem. This year’s edition features 42 international and Indian players, including 14 Olympians, making it one of the strongest competitions in the league’s history.
Attention now shifts to the final league fixture, where Dabang Delhi TTC will face PBG Pune Jaguars in a crucial encounter that will determine the fourth and final semifinal berth. Fans can catch all the action from Butterfly UTT Season 7 live on Star Sports Khel (Hindi), Star Sports Tamil 2 HD and Star Sports Tamil 3 HD, while matches are also streamed live on JioHotstar in Hindi, Tamil and English.
| Also Read: Spain’s Gavi Urges FIFA Against Paredes Suspension |
With an unbeaten league campaign, Dempo Goa Challengers have emerged as the team to beat in UTT Season 7. Their historic achievement reflects exceptional teamwork, consistency, and championship mentality as they now prepare to chase another Ultimate Table Tennis title in the upcoming semifinals.
