UTT 2025: Jaipur Patriots Edge Dabang Delhi 8-7 In Thriller, Storm Into Final

Ahmedabad, June 14, 2025: The Jaipur Patriots scripted history on Friday night, storming into their maiden IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 6 final with a nail-biting 8-7 win over Dabang Delhi TTC in the semi-finals held at the EKA Arena, Ahmedabad. The victory was powered by standout performances from Sreeja Akula and youngster Yashansh Malik, whose wins in high-pressure matches proved decisive.

In a pulsating final rubber, Indian ace Sreeja Akula held her nerves to clinch a 2-1 win over Diya Chitale, sealing Jaipur’s victory with a blazing forehand winner at 9-9 in the third game. Sreeja was later named the Indian Player of the Tie, underlining her consistent run in the tournament.

The turning point came earlier in the evening when rising talent Yashansh Malik stunned Dabang Delhi skipper and India’s top-ranked paddler Sathiyan Gnanasekaran 2-1. Yashansh, playing his first season, came back from behind twice and saved multiple game points, winning the first two games 11-10 and 11-9. Though Sathiyan pulled one back 11-6, the damage was done—Jaipur had leveled the tie and momentum was on their side.

The tie opened with Kanak Jha giving Jaipur an early lead by avenging his opening-day loss to Izaac Quek, winning 2-1. Maria Xiao pulled Delhi level with a 2-1 victory over Britt Eerland, before teaming up with Sathiyan to edge out Jeet Chandra and Eerland in a close mixed doubles contest.

Heading into the final match with the tie locked at 6-6, all eyes turned to Sreeja, who came through in style despite a valiant effort from Diya Chitale. The final game had fans on the edge of their seats as both players traded blows before Sreeja’s final winner sealed the match and sent Jaipur into the final.

Jaipur Patriots will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Dempo Goa Challengers and U Mumba TT in the UTT 2025 Grand Final on June 15, also at EKA Arena.

The IndianOil UTT Season 6 is being held under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) and promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani, featuring 23 ties across 16 action-packed days. All matches are broadcast live on Star Sports Khel and Star Sports 2 Tamil, and streamed on JioCinema and Hotstar.

Final Scores Recap: Jaipur Patriots 8-7 Dabang Delhi TTC

• Kanak Jha bt. Izaac Quek 2-1 (7-11, 11-10, 11-3)

• Britt Eerland lost to Maria Xiao 1-2 (11-6, 6-11, 8-11)

• Jeet Chandra/Britt Eerland lost to Sathiyan/Maria Xiao 1-2 (11-8, 9-11, 10-11)

• Yashansh Malik bt. Sathiyan Gnanasekaran 2-1 (11-10, 11-9, 6-11)

• Sreeja Akula bt. Diya Chitale 2-1 (11-9, 6-11, 11-9)