Sathiyan, Chitala win titles in UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships
Defending national champion Diya Chitale rediscovered her champion’s touch, storming to the title with a commanding 4-0 win over former champion Sutirtha Mukherjee
Hyderabad: Top-seeded G. Sathiyan and Diya Chitale stamped their authority to clinch the men’s and women’s singles titles at the second UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships at the Thyagaraj Stadium in Delhi on Thursday.
In the men’s final, former national champion Sathiyan showcased his trademark blend of experience and resilience. The multiple international medallist stormed into a 2-0 lead against Ankur Bhattacharjee, though he allowed the youngster to snatch the extended third game after holding a game point.
Top seed and defending national champion Diya Chitale rediscovered her champion’s touch, storming to the title with a commanding 4-0 win over former national champion Sutirtha Mukherjee in the final. Back to full fitness after battling early-season injuries, the RBI paddler combined composure with consistency to keep Sutirtha, representing RSPB, under pressure throughout. Though the third seed managed to push Diya in a couple of games, she never looked capable of halting her rival’s momentum.
Top seed P.B. Abhinand and second seed M. Hansini delivered a golden double for Tamil Nadu, clinching the Under-19 Boys and Girls titles with commanding displays.
In the girls’ final, reigning national champion Hansini was clinical, sweeping aside Jennifer Varghese 4-0. Jennifer briefly threatened in the third game but found no way past the Tamil Nadu ace’s dominance.
Earlier, Jennifer stunned top seed Syndrela Das 3-2 in a thrilling semifinal, while Hansini cruised past Naisha with ease.
The results: Finals: Men: Singles: G. Sathiyan (PSPB) bt Ankur Bhattacharjee (WB) 11-5, 11-8, 11-13, 11-7, 11-9.
Youth boys: Under-19: P.B. Abhinand (TN) bt Oishik Ghosh (WB) 11-7, 9-11, 12-10, 11-8, 14-12.
Women singles: Diya Chitale (RBI) bt Sutirtha Mukherjee (RSPB) 11-9, 11-7, 11-9, 11-6.
Youth girls: M. Hansini (TN) bt Jennifer Varghese (Mah) 11-4, 11-3, 14-12, 11-4.
