The Ultimate Table Tennis league in India saw a clash of generations as the veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal, a legend in the sport, went head-to-head with the promising young talent Manav Thakkar. While Chennai Lions lost to U Mumba TT, 7-8, the match was filled with exhilarating moments.
The highlight was the men’s singles encounter between Sharath and Thakkar. Despite his age, Sharath, who had previously stunned the World No. 13 Darko Jorgic earlier this year, displayed incredible resilience and experience. He controlled the pace of the match and forced Thakkar to work hard for every point, even engaging in a thrilling 17-shot rally. Although Thakkar managed to win the match, the experience of playing against the seasoned Sharath was invaluable.
Mouma Das, another seasoned player, also showed her mettle against Maria Xiao. The veteran, who had last played internationally in 2018, made a comeback with a powerful performance. Her traditional tomahawk serve proved effective against the Spanish paddler, showcasing her experience and adaptability. Despite her efforts, Chennai Lions fell short, losing the tie by a narrow margin.
Meanwhile, Dabang Delhi TTC dominated Puneri Paltan Table Tennis 11-4, showcasing the talent of young players like Ankur Bhattacharjee. Bhattacharjee, a 17-year-old with a unique kicker serve, continues to impress with his skill and composure.
The matches highlighted the exciting future of Indian table tennis, with young players like Thakkar and Bhattacharjee showing great promise. They will undoubtedly be looking to fill the void left by veteran players like Sharath and Mouma in the coming years. The competition provides a platform for these young athletes to gain experience and hone their skills, ensuring a strong future for Indian table tennis.
