Kolkata , June 27:
Dabang Smashers TTC became the first side to qualify for the semi-finals of the second season of the Ultimate Table Tennis here on Tuesday.
Top-ranked Indian paddler Sathiyan Gnanas ekaran-led team notched a commanding 15-6 win over Empowerji Challengers to qualify for the last-four stage for the second time in a row.
Reflecting on the same, Smashers’ captain Sathiyan Gnanasekaran said that it has been an amazing journey for the team. “It has been an amazing journey for the Smashers this season as we have qualified for the semifinals of UTT for the second year in a row. I’m really looking forward to the big matches and I’m confident that Dabang Smashers TTC can smash their way into the final,” Gnanasekaran said.
Dabang Smashers made their way into the semi-finals after registering three wins. With the likes of Manika Batra, Yoshida Masaki, Sakura Mori, Archana Kamath, Sanish Ambekar, Adriana Diaz and Cedric Nuytinck, the Smashers proved to be a strong unit as they sealed their place at the top of the table. A key factor in their success has been the mixed doubles pair of Sathiyan and Sakura, who stayed unbeaten in the tournament.
The semi-final clash is slated to be held on June 29 at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indore Stadium, Kolkata.
