UTT 2019 | Dabang Delhi script historical comeback to down Chennai Lions

Delhi started off in the worst possible manner as Krittwika Sinha Roy was humbled 0-3 by Petrissa Soljain the women’s singles despite the 186th-ranked Indian playing well. The loss left Delhi at the mercy of Sharath Kamal, who was up against G Sathiyan and what ensued was a thrilling battle.

The clash saw Sathiyan starting off quickly by leading 5-4 initially but Sathiyan was up to the task and won the next five points to seize control. The second game also saw Sathiyan leading 6-4 before Sathiyan won seven of the next nine points.

Sharath was down by two games and had to shift into offensive but his compatriot was unstoppable. Staying close to the table, Sathiyan blocked effectively and opened an 8-5 lead. But Sharath brought his best performance to the table then to make it 8-8 before winning the last three points to keep Chennai 4-2 ahead in the tie, despite the loss.

However, Sharath compensated his loss by winning the mixed doubles alongside Petrissa as they beat Jon Persson and debutant Naina Persson by a 3-0 margin. Delhi were now at 2-7 with two matches to go when they picked up three points through the 63rd-ranked Persson, who defeated Anirban Ghosh. The icing on the cake was put by World No. 14 Benadette Szocs, who defeated 137-ranked Madhurika Patkar 3-0 to take Delhi past the finish line.

The narrow defeat, however, didn’t hurt the Lions who sat second with 42 points behind U Mumba (44). Delhi are tied with Goa Challengers at 41, finishing fourth, for the lesser number of matches won from five ties. Dabang would be facing Mumba in the first semifinal on Friday while Goa will take on Chennai on Saturday.