Chennai, Sept 5: In a decisive performance at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Ahmedabad SG Pipers delivered a resounding 12-3 defeat to Jaipur Patriots, securing their place in the semifinals of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) 2024. This result effectively ended Chennai Lionsā hopes of advancing, as they needed the Patriots to perform well to keep their own semifinal dreams alive.Bernadette Szocs played a pivotal role for the SG Pipers, sweeping past Suthasini Sawettabut in straight games. Szocs’s dominant performance proved crucial, as her victory was a major factor in the Patriotsā defeat. Although Szocs suffered a minor muscle injury during the match, she recovered to contribute further in the mixed doubles, teaming up with Manush Shah to continue their unbeaten streak.
The match also featured a controversial moment involving Lilian Bardet of the SG Pipers and Cho Seungmin. Bardet initially appeared to win a game, but after a review, Cho was awarded the golden point. This incident highlighted the absence of an official review system but did not deter the SG Pipers’ focus on their performance.
Suthasini Sawettabut struggled against Szocs and further losses by Snehit SFR and Moumita Dutta sealed the Patriots’ fate. The SG Pipers’ comprehensive victory was underscored by their 12-3 scoreline.