PBG Bengaluru Smashers, riding high on two consecutive victories, aim to extend their unbeaten streak and inch closer to the playoffs when they face Jaipur Patriots, the debutants of Ultimate Table Tennis 2024, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Thursday.
Bengaluru Smashers, led by captain Alvaro Robles, have emerged as a formidable force in UTT 2024, winning both their ties and securing eight out of ten matches played. Their impressive performance has propelled them to second place in the standings, trailing only Ahmedabad SG Pipers.
The Smashers boast a star-studded lineup, including Manika Batra, who recently showcased her prowess with a dominant win over Ayhika Mukherjee. American ace Lily Zhang and the assertive Jeet Chandra add further depth to the team.
On the other hand, Jaipur Patriots, despite being newcomers to the league, have demonstrated their potential with a balanced record. They have won one tie out of two, claiming five matches out of ten and 15 games out of 30.
The Patriots’ clash with Bengaluru Smashers is expected to feature a captivating matchup between Robles and South Korean paddler Cho Seung-min. Suthasini Sawettabut, Snehit SFR, and Nithyashree Mani have also made significant contributions to the Patriots’ success and will be eager to continue their strong performances.
The franchise-based league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), has captivated audiences with its thrilling matches. All ties are being broadcast on Sports18 Khel on TV and streamed live on JioCinema in India and Facebook Live outside India. Tickets are available online through BookMyShow and offline at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium box office.
