UTT 2024: PBG Smashers Qualify For Semis Despite Losing To Dabang Delhi TTC

PKS Wins In Record Time

The PBG Bengaluru Smashers qualified for the semi-finals of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) 2024 despite losing 7-8 to the Dabang Delhi TTC in their final group stage match on Friday. [1] The Bengaluru Smashers finished second in Group A with 12 points, while the Delhi TTC topped the group with 14 points. [2] The win was a record-breaking one for the PKS Smashers, as they clinched the victory in just 2 hours and 23 minutes. [3]

Star Performers

PKS's Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Harmeet Desai were the star performers for the team, winning two matches each. [4] Sathiyan defeated Tomislav Pucar 3-1 and Lin Gaoyuan 3-2, while Desai beat Marcos Freitas 3-1 and Tiago Apolonia 3-2. [5] Dabang Delhi TTC's Liam Pitchford also won two matches, defeating G Sathiyan 3-2 and Harmeet Desai 3-1. [6]

Key Factor

The key factor in the match was the Bengaluru Smashers' performance in the mixed doubles match. [7] The pair of Sathiyan and Archana Girish Kamath defeated Tiago Apolonia and Sutirtha Mukherjee 3-1, which gave the Bengaluru Smashers a crucial 2-1 lead in the tie. [8]

PKS Smashers' Performance

The Bengaluru Smashers have been in impressive form throughout the UTT 2024 campaign. [9] They have won five of their seven group stage matches, including a 7-2 victory over the Delhi TTC in their first meeting. [10] The Smashers have also defeated the Chennai Lions 7-4, the Kolkata Mavericks 7-3, and the Haryana Hammers 7-2. [11]

Road To The Semis

The Bengaluru Smashers will now face the Gujarat Giants in the semi-finals on Saturday. [12] The Giants finished top of Group B with 14 points, and will be looking to book their place in the final. [13] The other semi-final will be contested between the Dabang Delhi TTC and the Puneri Paltan. [14]

Conclusion

The Bengaluru Smashers have qualified for the semi-finals of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) 2024 despite losing 7-8 to the Dabang Delhi TTC in their final group stage match. [15] The Smashers finished second in Group A with 12 points, while the Delhi TTC topped the group with 14 points. [16] The Smashers will now face the Gujarat Giants in the semi-finals on Saturday. [17]