PBG Bengaluru Smashers Aim for Playoffs Berth Against Jaipur Patriots

PBG Bengaluru Smashers Aim for Playoffs Berth Against Jaipur Patriots

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.

Alvaro Robles to Lead PBG Bengaluru Smashers in IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis 2024

Alvaro Robles to Lead PBG Bengaluru Smashers in IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis 2024

Star Spanish paddler Alvaro Robles will lead PBG Bengaluru Smashers in the IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis 2024 as team captain. Robles, 33, will spearhead a talented sextet, which includes Indian ace Manika Batra, USA sensation Lily Zhang, youngsters Jeet Chandra and Taneesha Kotecha, and the highly experienced Amalraj Anthony.

Robles, a two-time Olympian, has qualified for the playoffs in all three of his previous UTT appearances. He starred in last season’s UTT final, sweeping Indian great Achanta Sharath Kamal 3-0.

Punit Balan, CEO of Punit Balan Group, owners of PBG Bengaluru Smashers, said: “We are delighted to have Alvaro Robles as the captain of the PBG Bengaluru Smashers. Alvaro’s track record speaks for itself-he’s a proven champion with the heart of a leader.”

Robles’ remarkable achievements include a historic silver medal at the 2019 World Table Tennis Championships in Budapest, Hungary, making him the first Spaniard to reach such heights in the sport. He also won a Mediterranean Games gold in 2020 and became the first Spanish player to reach the final in an ITTF Challenger Series event the same year.

“Being named captain of the PBG Bengaluru Smashers is a tremendous honor,” said Robles. “Leading such a talented group of players in a prestigious tournament like IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis is a challenge I am eager to embrace.”

For the third time in UTT, Robles will work under Dutch coach Elena Timina, who herself coached her team to become UTT champion last year. Timina said: “I’m thrilled to be coaching Alvaro Robles again, especially in such an important role as team captain. Alvaro is not only a world-class player but also a strategic thinker who knows how to bring out the best in his teammates.”

PBG Bengaluru Smashers will begin their IndianOil UTT 2024 campaign on Friday (August 23) with a tie against hosts Chennai Lions. The team will subsequently play Puneri Paltan TT, debutants Jaipur Patriots and Ahmedabad SG Pipers, and Dabang Delhi TTC in their remaining league stage ties.

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