New Delhi, Aug 5:
U Mumba stormed into the semifinals of the Ultimate Table Tennis season three by thrashing Goa Challengers 11-4 in a league match here on Monday.
In-form Manav Thakkar and Doo Hoi Kem (world no. 11 women’s singles player) were the stars of their massive win, picking up five and six points each respectively.
Doo and Manav won their respective opening singles matches to hand the team a distinctive 5-1 advantage in the first two matches of the tie.
Doo Hoi Kem edged out a fighting Archana Kamath 3-0, while Manav got the better of Amalraj Anthony 2-1 as U Mumba raced to a 5-1 lead.
Manav and Doo Hoi Kem then combined in the crucial mixed doubles encounter and eased past Goa pair of Alvaro Robles and Archana 3-0 to seal the tie in U Mumba’s favour.
U Mumba, thus, ended their league engagements on 44 points from five matches.
Goa Challengers, on the other hand, were placed third on 30 points and still have a match in hand.
In the opening women’s singles match, Doo Hoi Kem defeated Archana 3-0 in an extremely-tight contest. Although separated by 128 rankings points with Hoi Kem, it turned out to be a battle of equals on the table.
Archana, who has been in top form this season, tested Doo Hoi Kem at every step as the two indulged in long and speedy rallies.
If Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem was quick on her feet and sharp in her returns, Archana was equally strong in her defensive play and forced her opponent to make many errors.
Doo Hoi Kem wrapped up the opening game 11-8, and then won the second on golden point 11-0. In the final game, Doo Hoi Kem prevailed 11-8. (PTI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
