Chennai

Today, the PBG Bengaluru Smashers will aim to extend their unbeaten streak and edge closer to the playoffs as they face the debutant Jaipur Patriots in the Ultimate Table Tennis 2024 at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

The Bengaluru team has won both of its matches so far and sits second on the leaderboard, just behind the Ahmedabad SG Pipers, who have played one more tie. The Jaipur Patriots, currently fourth, have a mixed record with one win and one loss.

The Bengaluru Smashers have been impressive this season, securing victories in eight out of ten matches and winning 21 of 30 games. Led by captain Alvaro Robles, they are determined to reach the playoffs for the first time after narrowly missing out last year. The team will also feature star player Manika Batra, who recently defeated Ayhika Mukherjee, along with USA’s Lily Zhang and Jeet Chandra.

The Jaipur Patriots, fresh from a win against U Mumba TT, have a balanced record with one win and one loss. South Korean paddler Cho Seung-min, who has been standout so far, will likely face Robles in a key match. Other notable players for the Patriots include Suthasini Sawettabut, Snehit SFR, and Nithyashree Mani.

Squads:

– PBG Bengaluru Smashers: Manika Batra, Alvaro Robles (Spain), Lily Zhang (USA), Jeet Chandra, Taneesha Kotecha, Amalraj Anthony

– Jaipur Patriots: Cho Seung-min (South Korea), Suthasini Sawettabut (Thailand), Snehit SFR, Ronit Bhanja, Moumita Dutta, Nithyashree Mani