UTT Showdown: Ahmedabad SG Pipers Face Dabang Delhi TTC in Semi-final Clash

Ahmedabad SG Pipers aim for a UTT debut season triumph as they compete against 2018 champions Dabang Delhi TTC in the semi-final. The victor will face defending champions Athlead Goa Challengers in the final, who defeated PBG Bengaluru Smashers to reach their second consecutive UTT finale.

The Ahmedabad SG Pipers, newcomers to the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) league, are set to make their mark by competing in their first-ever UTT title clash. They go head-to-head with 2018 champions Dabang Delhi TTC in the second semi-final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Friday.

The winner of this crucial knockout match will face defending champions Athlead Goa Challengers in the grand finale on Saturday. On Thursday, the Harmeet Desai-led Goa Challengers secured their place in the final with an 8-4 victory over the Manika Batra-led PBG Bengaluru Smashers in the first semi-final.

In their debut season, both Ahmedabad SG Pipers and Dabang Delhi TTC showcased impressive performances, finishing second and third respectively after the league stage. Ahmedabad SG Pipers, led by rising star Manush Shah, crushed Jaipur Patriots 12-3 in their final league game, proving to be formidable opponents. With seasoned player Sathiyan Gnanasekaran steering Dabang Delhi TTC, the semi-final promises an electrifying showdown. A potential face-off between Shah and Gnanasekaran in the men's singles opener is highly anticipated. World No. 13 Bernadette Szocs of Romania strengthens the Pipers' lineup against Thailand's Orawan Paranang, adding to the excitement.

Squads:

Ahmedabad SG Pipers: Manush Shah, Bernadette Szocs (Romania), Lilian Bardet (France), Reeth Tennison, Kritikwa Sinha Roy, Jash Modi.

Dabang Delhi TTC: Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, Orawan Paranang (Thailand), Diya Chitale, Andreas Levenko (Austria), Yashansh Malik, Lakshita Narang.

(With inputs from agencies.)