French Olympian Prithika Pavade inspired PBG Pune Jaguars to a thrilling 9-6 victory over UP Prometheans in Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7. Pavade’s stunning comeback against Yangzi Liu secured Pune’s first win, while Snehit SFR also starred in an impressive team performance.
French Olympian Prithika Pavade delivered a match-winning performance as PBG Pune Jaguars registered their first victory of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 with a hard-fought 9-6 triumph over UP Prometheans at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium on Sunday.
Making her debut in the Ultimate Table Tennis league, Pavade showcased remarkable composure and fighting spirit, producing one of the standout performances of the tournament so far. The French paddler capped an outstanding evening by defeating two-time UTT Most Valuable Player Yangzi Liu in the decisive Women’s Singles match. After losing the opening game, Pavade mounted an impressive comeback, winning the next two games to seal the contest and ensure Pune’s maiden victory of the season.
The seventh edition of Ultimate Table Tennis is being held under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) and promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani. The tournament features 42 top players from across the globe, including 14 Olympians, further strengthening India’s table tennis ecosystem through world-class competition and grassroots development initiatives.
UP Prometheans made an impressive start to the tie with Germany’s Ricardo Walther overcoming Egypt’s Omar Assar in a closely contested three-game men’s singles encounter. Walther’s composed performance gave UP an early advantage and placed pressure on the Pune outfit.
However, the Jaguars responded immediately through India’s rising star Diya Chitale. After dropping the opening game against Sayali Wani, Chitale fought back strongly to clinch the next two games, levelling the tie and restoring momentum for Pune.
The turning point arrived during the mixed doubles clash as Snehit SFR and Prithika Pavade displayed exceptional nerves under pressure. Facing Ricardo Walther and Swastika Ghosh, the Pune pair won two dramatic Golden Points to edge the contest 2-1 and move their team ahead.
Snehit SFR continued his unbeaten run in the tournament by defeating Sudhanshu Grover in another thrilling three-game battle. His victory extended Pune’s lead and left the final outcome resting on the women’s singles encounter between Pavade and Yangzi Liu.
With the tie still delicately poised, Pavade produced a sensational comeback. After conceding the opening game 4-11, she raised the intensity of her attack, controlled the rallies with confidence and secured the next two games 11-7 and 11-9. Her victory over one of the league’s most decorated players sealed a memorable first win for PBG Pune Jaguars in UTT Season 7.
For her outstanding contribution, Pavade was named the Foreign Player of the Tie, while Snehit SFR earned the Indian Player of the Tie award along with the ChatGPT Match IQ Player of the Tie honour. Omar Assar, despite ending on the losing side, received the Bisleri Shot of the Tie award for his spectacular winner during his singles match.
Earlier in the day, action in the UTT Juniors competition also produced exciting contests. Dabang Delhi TTC defeated Ahmedabad APL Pipers 6-3, while U Mumba TT maintained their unbeaten run with a narrow 5-4 victory over HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades. The day’s fixtures were set to conclude with Ahmedabad APL Pipers taking on Dempo Goa Challengers.
| Also Read: Yastika Bhatia scripts history with Test century at Lord’s |
With this victory, PBG Pune Jaguars have gained valuable momentum early in the tournament, while Prithika Pavade’s remarkable debut has established her as one of the players to watch in Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7.
