The Ganga Kings of Mirzapur finally broke their duck in the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTL) 2024 season, securing a hard-fought and morale-boosting first victory. The team edged past the JD Noida Ninjas with a narrow 4-3 scoreline at the Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, July 16. This win comes as a significant relief after the Kings had suffered three consecutive defeats at the start of their campaign.
A Tense Battle Decided in the Final Match
The contest went down to the wire, with the outcome hinging on the very last match of the evening. The Ganga Kings entered the final clash, the men's singles, with the teams locked at 3-3. The pressure was immense, but Manush Shah held his nerve for the Kings. He delivered a commanding performance, defeating Nigeria's Quadri Aruna of the Ninjas with a score of 11-8, 11-9. This decisive victory sealed the overall match for the Mirzapur-based franchise, sparking celebrations in their camp.
Key Contributions and Match Highlights
The path to victory was built on crucial wins earlier in the tie. The Ganga Kings' Suthirtha Mukherjee played a pivotal role, contributing two important points to her team's tally. She first combined with Manush Shah to win the mixed doubles match. Later, she showcased her skill in the women's singles, overcoming India's Yashaswini Ghorpade from the Noida side.
For the JD Noida Ninjas, their star player Manika Batra continued her excellent form, winning both her matches. She partnered with Aruna to claim the mixed doubles and then triumphed in her women's singles encounter. However, her stellar individual effort was not enough to carry her team to an overall victory on this occasion.
Turning the Tide for the Kings' Campaign
This first win is more than just four points on the league table; it is a massive psychological boost for the Ganga Kings. After a string of losses, proving they can close out a tight match instills much-needed confidence. The team demonstrated resilience and the ability to perform under pressure, especially in the final showdown. For the JD Noida Ninjas, it was a missed opportunity to consolidate their position, suffering a defeat in a tie they might have felt was within their grasp.
The Ultimate Table Tennis 2024 season continues to deliver thrilling action, and this match was a prime example of the league's competitive balance. The Ganga Kings will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, while the Ninjas will aim to bounce back quickly from this narrow setback.
