Indian table tennis player Ayhika Mukherjee pulled off a major upset in the ongoing Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) season 4 by defeating world number 26 Lily Zhang. Representing Dabang Delhi TTC, Ayhika’s victory paved the way for her team’s 11-4 win against U Mumba TT.
In a thrilling encounter at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, Ayhika, ranked 135th in the world, fought fiercely for every point against her American opponent. The opening game showcased exceptional skills from both players, with Lily eventually clinching it by winning a golden point.
However, Ayhika showed tremendous mental fortitude and resilience as she bounced back in the second game. It was another closely contested affair, but Ayhika managed to hold her nerve and claim the game through a golden point.
With the match level at 1-1, the stage was set for a tense decider. Ayhika continued her fighting spirit and once again triumphed through a golden point to secure a magnificent victory over the higher-ranked Lily Zhang.
The Dabang Delhi TTC team also earned victories in other matches to seal their second win of the season. Jon Persson emerged triumphant against Manav Thakkar with a convincing 3-0 scoreline. Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Barbora Balazova teamed up to overcome the pairing of Manav and Lily in the third match (Mixed doubles).
Although Quadri Aruna managed to secure a win for U Mumba TT against Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, it wasn’t enough to prevent his team’s defeat. In the last match of the tie, Sreeja Akula delivered a dominant performance, winning 3-0 against Diya Chitale and completing a perfect victory for Dabang Delhi TTC.
Overall, it was a memorable day for Ayhika Mukherjee and the Dabang Delhi TTC team as they showcased their skills and determination in the Ultimate Table Tennis season 4. Ayhika’s stunning upset against Lily Zhang highlighted her potential and ability to compete against higher-ranked opponents. This victory will surely serve as a confidence booster for Ayhika and her team as they continue their campaign in the tournament.
