It was billed as the marquee contest of the evening. Manush Shah and Manav Thakkar — the bespectacled doubles partners who have carried India’s flag with distinction on the international table tennis circuit — found themselves on opposite sides when defending champion U Mumba TT took on UP Prometheans in Ultimate Table Tennis on Saturday.
But much like the tie itself, the much-anticipated duel turned into a one-sided affair as Manush outclassed Manav to script U Mumba’s biggest-ever victory in UTT history.
Having swept the opening three matches, U Mumba had already established complete control of the tie. Anusha Kutumbale set the tone with a commanding 3-0 win over Australia’s Yangzi Liu before her teammates stretched the lead to 9-0, leaving Manav with the unenviable task of reviving UP’s fortunes.
Instead, it was Manush who dictated proceedings. His heavy forehand and backhand topspins repeatedly pierced Manav’s defence as the left-hander surged to a two-game lead with authority. Manav eventually earned a consolation by converting the Golden Point in the third game, helping UP finally open its account.
With no team having previously won more than 12 games in a UTT tie, U Mumba had history within touching distance. Young Welsh paddler Anna Hursey ensured it became a reality, targeting Sayali Wani’s forehand corner with remarkable consistency to clinch two games and help U Mumba finish with a record haul. The emphatic win also revived the defending champion’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Earlier in the evening, Manika Batra produced her most convincing performance of the season, blanking French southpaw Prithika Pavade 3-0 as Ahmedabad APL Pipers registered a comfortable victory over PBG Pune Jaguars.
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Published on Jul 18, 2026