Bengaluru Smashers vs Ahmedabad SG Pipers Highlights UTT 2024: Bengaluru Smashers come from behind to stun Ahmedabad 9-6.

UTT Highlights 2024, Bengaluru Smashers vs Ahmedabad SG Pipers Highlights: Bengaluru Smashers turned around a 3-6 score to finish 9-6 and claim the top spot in the points table. Follow Sportskeeda for Bengaluru Smashers vs Ahmedabad SG Pipers Live Score or Ultimate Table Tennis Tournament Latest Updates.

That brings us to the end of our coverage for the 14th Tie of UTT season 5. But don't go too far away. Another tie is set to begin in a few moments from now. You can join the live action by clicking here. From this window, Darpan Tikiya signs off. Scroll below to read the highlights.

PHEWW! I needed a moment to catch my breath back after that pulsating last game. In the end, Lilly Zhang proved to be good for the youngster. Though, much like Krittwika Sinha Roy, the entire Ahmedabad SG Pipers team has a bunch of positives to take from this tie. They are the first team that haven't conceded double digit points to the Bengaluru Smashers. Szocs was brilliant, Roy showed a glimpse of her talent and they have a very strong mixed doubles team. However, another fact is that they were ahead by 6-3 and then lost the tie 6-9. Their overseas stars - Zhang and Robles - once again proved out to be the game changers. Both are yet to lose a match in this season. After this win, the Smashers are almost ensured of a semifinal berth. Can someone stop this juggernaut?

Final Score

Bengaluru Smashers 9-6 Ahmedabad SG Pipers

Anthony Amalraj 1-2 Lilian Bardet [9-11, 10-11, 11-10]
Manika Batra 1-2 Bernadette Szocs [11-7, 9-11, 7-11]
Robles/Batra 1-2 Shah/Szocs [3-11, 11-7, 8-11]
Alvaro Robles 3-0 Manush Shah [11-8, 11-7, 11-6]
Lily Zhang 3-0 Krittwika Sinha Roy [11-5, 11-8, 11-10]

Match 5, Game 3: Lily Zhang 11-10 Krittwika Sinha Roy [Match Score: Zhang 3-0 Roy]

TOO GOOD FROM ZHANG! MY OH MY! She fetches it from the deep by stretching the arm a long way towards the backhand corner. In the end the ball hit the paddle and curled in from the outside to catch the table and spin away again from Roy.

Match 5, Game 3: Lily Zhang 10-10 Krittwika Sinha Roy [Match Score: Zhang 2-0 Roy]

GOLDEN POINT TIME! Roy has pushed Zhang to the limit. In fact, she had the game point. But Zhang came back with a deep return that Roy ended up driving into the net to render the score levelled.

Match 5, Game 3: Lily Zhang 7-5 Krittwika Sinha Roy [Match Score: Zhang 2-0 Roy]

ZHANG OVERTAKES! Roy has delineated lazy elegance and finesse. But in the end, Zhang is too good. She is fast with her reflexes and using her wrist well to deploy a different spin with each shot.

Match 5, Game 3: Lily Zhang 2-5 Krittwika Sinha Roy [Match Score: Zhang 2-0 Roy]

KRITTWIKA IS MAKING THE VETERAN SWEAT! Might be too late in the context of the tie, but it is great for the youngster's confidence. She has placed her serves well and got the side-spin and the top spin working for her. The players change sides now.

Match 5, Game 2: Lily Zhang 11-8 Krittwika Sinha Roy [Match Score: Zhang 2-0 Roy]

SMASHERS GET THE TIE POINT! Would you believe it? They were down by 3-6 in the tie and have comeback by winning 5 games on a bounce. Zhang was always the favourite for this match, but Roy has delineated good temperament and a valiant fight.

Match 5, Game 2: Lily Zhang 6-4 Krittwika Sinha Roy [Match Score: Zhang 1-0 Roy]

ROY STICKS TO HER STRENGTH! She stays still and lets her wrist to the work - making the American hop from corner to corner. She is not here to surrender to reputation.

Match 5, Game 2: Lily Zhang 4-2 Krittwika Sinha Roy [Match Score: Zhang 1-0 Roy]

SIMILAR STORY! Zhang picks up the first couple of points with her speed and then Roy comes back with a good, cross court forehand smash. Then, they get into a long rally of half-long shots. Zhang delineated that she can wait out the opponent too in such circumstances. Eventually, Roy drove it into the net.

Match 5, Game 1: Lily Zhang 11-5 Krittwika Sinha Roy [Match Score: Zhang 1-0 Roy]

AND SHE TAKES IT!! Zhang has glided from left to right with pace and utmost grace. A lot of long shots in that game and the speed worked to the veteran's advantage.

Match 5, Game 1: Lily Zhang 8-4 Krittwika Sinha Roy

SHE IS TOO QUICK!! Zhang is moving like Flash from DC Comics. Roy wears a poker face but the scoreboard might be making her nervous. The American is hurrying the youngster on.

Match 5, Game 1: Lily Zhang 5-3 Krittwika Sinha Roy

Roy begun well, but it did not take Zhang long to hit the top gear. She comes back to take the lead. The last couple of points have rendered Roy looking a bit clueless.

Match 5: Lily Zhang vs Krittwika Sinha Roy

Krittwika is going to be in action for the first time this season. She has replaced Pritha Vartikar in the Ahmedabad squad. But she has a stiff challenge up front. Lily Zhang - the 6 time US Champion and a four time Olympian - has been in terrific form. She has won her last two matches 3-0 and she is looking to continue the good work.

After Match 4:-
Bengaluru Smashers 6-6 Ahmedabad SG Pipers

Anthony Amalraj 1-2 Lilian Bardet [9-11, 10-11, 11-10]
Manika Batra 1-2 Bernadette Szocs [11-7, 9-11, 7-11]
Robles/Batra 1-2 Shah/Szocs [3-11, 11-7, 8-11]
Alvaro Robles 3-0 Manush Shah [11-8, 11-7, 11-6]

Match 4, Game 3: Alvaro Robles 11-6 Manush Shah [Match Score: Robles 3-0 Shah]

ROBLES EFFECTS THE CLEAN SWEEP! A side-spinning serve into this forehand and he slaps it across in a flash. Shah could not even move to get to the ball. The tie score is now levelled.

Match 4, Game 3: Alvaro Robles 8-6 Manush Shah [Match Score: Robles 2-0 Shah]

IT IS NOT OVER YET!! Shah comes back from behind to make it 8-6. He has held his nerve. The last point came off a really long rally, where the last shot was literal jump smash to a big lob at the baseline from few feet behind the table.

Match 4, Game 3: Alvaro Robles 8-1 Manush Shah [Match Score: Robles 2-0 Shah]

IMPERIOUS! Everything he is doing is fetching him points. He is moving swiftly across and sending powerful forehands across. In between he is also pushing it dead straight off the backhand.

Match 4, Game 3: Alvaro Robles 3-0 Manush Shah [Match Score: Robles 2-0 Shah]

ROBLES ROAR!! He picks up 3 consecutive points to start this game. The first a slow spinning serve into the backhand corner, then a powerful forehand in the same direction followed by a point after being pushed back off the table.

Match 4, Game 2: Alvaro Robles 11-7 Manush Shah [Match Score: Robles 2-0 Shah]

ROBLES SHOWS HE IS BETTER! A game that was neck and neck for most part has been killed by Robles in a blink of an eye. He picks 4 consecutive points off ultra-short rallies. The celebratory fist pump oozes disdain.

Match 4, Game 2: Alvaro Robles 5-5 Manush Shah [Match Score: Robles 1-0 Shah]

BRING OUT THE WHISTLES!! Both players pulled one each from under the table. And then, the lochness monster to TT was on display. Shah played a drop shot as Robles was pushed back. But the Spanish paddler leaned forward, sent it back and Shah faltered to give his opponent the point.

Match 4, Game 2: Alvaro Robles 3-3 Manush Shah [Match Score: Robles 1-0 Shah]

IT IS A TUG OF WAR! We are going back and forth with the points. Both the players playing on their strengths. Shah has slapped a couple of the forehand. Robles has been crafty with the backhand punches.

Match 4, Game 1: Alvaro Robles 11-8 Manush Shah [Match Score: Robles 1-0 Shah]

ROBLES WINS THE GAME! The resurgence that Shah put on display was unfortunately a little too late. He makes an error and that ends up being the final nail in the coffin for this game. Tries to smother the spin with the backhand press, ends up hitting the net.

Match 4, Game 1: Alvaro Robles 9-6 Manush Shah [Match Score: Robles 0-0 Shah]

SHAH IS BATTLING IT OUT!! He has narrowed the gap with those persistent, powerful forehands in either directions. Can he take it deeper?

Match 4, Game 1: Alvaro Robles 8-1 Manush Shah

ONE ERROR! That is all that Robles has committed thus far. He ended up driving a short serve to the net. Other than that, he has been imperious.

Match 4, Game 1: Alvaro Robles 5-0 Manush Shah

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC THUS FAR! A mistimed backhand push from Shah, followed by a lucky edge, then an over zealous smash followed by a point lost due to wrong positioning. Shah needs to be better than this.

Match 4: Alvaro Robles vs Manush Shah

It is a battle of the lefties. Both are warmed up nicely after that intense mixed doubles battle. Though, the equation is different in a single's match. Remember, if Shah wins this match, his team will win the tie. But let us not forget that Robles is yet to loose a single's encounter this season! Hence, we expect a tantalising contest.

After Match 3:-
Bengaluru Smashers 3-6 Ahmedabad SG Pipers

Anthony Amalraj 1-2 Lilian Bardet [9-11, 10-11, 11-10]
Manika Batra 1-2 Bernadette Szocs [11-7, 9-11, 7-11]
Robles/Batra 1-2 Shah/Szocs [3-11, 11-7, 8-11]

Match 3, Game 3: Robles/Batra 8-11 Shah/Szocs [Match Score: Robles/Batra 1-2 Shah/Szocs]

PIPERS TAKE IT!!! They even turn to the dugout and perform a bit of synchronised dance. It was a top spinning return from Shah, Batra crouched and tried to smother it, but ended up missing the baseline. That fetched Ahmedabad SG Pipers the game point.

Match 3, Game 3: Robles/Batra 8-8 Shah/Szocs [Match Score: Robles/Batra 1-1 Shah/Szocs]

WOW! Robles bisects the gap between the two opponents with a skilful backhand. It is followed up by a firm push from Batra in similar fashion to level the score.

Match 3, Game 3: Robles/Batra 5-6 Shah/Szocs [Match Score: Robles/Batra 1-1 Shah/Szocs]

BACK IN IT!!! Robles picks up a point with a dead shot of the backhand. It is followed by a skilful, side-spinning backhand from Batra. They are garnering momentum.

Match 3, Game 3: Robles/Batra 3-5 Shah/Szocs [Match Score: Robles/Batra 1-1 Shah/Szocs]

PERFECTLY POISED! Two vigorous rallies where the Bengaluru pair picked up points with finesse started us off. But then, S&S came back to edge past them. Now it is time to switch sides.

Match 3, Game 2: Robles/Batra 11-7 Shah/Szocs [Match Score: Robles/Batra 1-1 Shah/Szocs]

BATRA SHOWS HER CLASS! She picks a point with a half long serve that left Szocs in a fix. Then, she sprung a snake from under the table to once again flummox the Romanian. We are going into the deciding game now!

Match 3, Game 2: Robles/Batra 8-7 Shah/Szocs [Match Score: Robles/Batra 0-1 Shah/Szocs]

The crowd cheers on boisterously as the Bengaluru pair comes back strongly. Though, as I type this, they send a couple of balls beyond the baseline, giving S&S the momentum.

Match 3, Game 2: Robles/Batra 1-3 Shah/Szocs [Match Score: Robles/Batra 0-1 Shah/Szocs]

The Ahmedabad pair continues to attack in the same corner: Batra's forehand/Robles backhand. Thus far their plan seems to be working. In between, we also had a long rally where S&S were both pushed behind, but Batra squandered that chance with an unruly forehand from the centre line.

Match 3, Game 1: Robles/Batra 3-11 Shah/Szocs [Match Score: Robles/Batra 0-1 Shah/Szocs]

S&S take the first game! Robles came close to the table and started using the backhand a bit more in the second half of the game. Though he missed the baseline on a bunch of occasions. The Ahmedabad pair, on the other hand, has delineated immaculate co-ordination.

Match 3, Game 1: Robles/Batra 2-8 Shah/Szocs

SMASHING SHAH! A couple of powerful forehand slaps from him have caught Robles on the wrong foot. They are cruising.

Match 3, Game 1: Robles/Batra 1-4 Shah/Szocs

WHAT A START! S&S are in command. The Bengaluru Smashers are under the pump for the first time in this season. Robles has been standing a few steps behind, while Batra has only used the backhand block mostly thus far.

Match 3: Alvaro Robles/Manika Batra vs Manush Shah/Bernadette Szocs

It is time for the mixed doubles match now. Batra and Szocs will be in action once again and both will be joined by a left-hander each. Remember, every shot in the mixed doubles has to be played by a different player. This means, both paddlers must alternate shots. Hence, the co-ordination between the two teammates matter. You need to move away after playing your shot to give the partner space.

After Match 2:-
Bengaluru Smashers 2-4 Ahmedabad SG Pipers

Anthony Amalraj 1-2 Lilian Bardet [9-11, 10-11, 11-10]
Manika Batra 1-2 Bernadette Szocs [11-7, 9-11, 7-11]

Match 2, Game 3: Manika Batra 7-11 Bernadette Szocs [Match Score: Batra 1-2 Szocs]

SZOCS HAS DEFEATED BATRA! As Batra drives it into the net, Szocs turns around and raises both her arms with joy, whilst screaming vehemently. Tells you how much this win means to her. This is the first time in the season that Bengaluru Smashers have lost two matches in a tie.

Match 2, Game 3: Manika Batra 6-8 Bernadette Szocs [Match Score: Batra 1-1 Szocs]

SZCOS IS A BEAST! She picks four points in a row. each slightly different from the previous one. Cross smashes and side spin returns. OH WAIT! Just as I type this, she makes a schoolgirl error. A lob from Batra's backhand has been sent out of the table by the Romanian.

Match 2, Game 3: Manika Batra 5-4 Bernadette Szocs [Match Score: Batra 1-1 Szocs]

BACK AND FORTH WE GO! Both paddlers are battling it out. It is a pulsating contest. Batra has been the better player in this game thus far but Szocs in finding a way to pick up points. Once, she was assisted by the edge of the table and then by the net, when the ball ballooned up of the cord to fetch her the point. And just as I type that, Batra gets lucky with the net. Time for the players to switch sides.

Match 2, Game 2: Manika Batra 9-11 Bernadette Szocs [Match Score: Batra 1-1 Szocs]

SZOCS TAKES THE GAME! Finally, she has won something against Batra. She got lucky with the penultimate point that hit the net and then surprised Batra by deploying a long serve, near the baseline after an entire set filled with short serves.

Match 2, Game 2: Manika Batra 7-7 Bernadette Szocs [Match Score: Batra 1-0 Szocs]

BLOCK IT, BATRA! Szocs is making Batra block with the backhand by deploying short returns with heavy spin consistently. She then, unleashes the forehand, once she feels that the setup is enough.

Match 2, Game 2: Manika Batra 4-4 Bernadette Szocs [Match Score: Batra 1-0 Szocs]

HIGH QUALITY PING PONG! Batra picked up the first few points with domineering ease. But then, Szocs seems to have flipped a switch. We are seeing long rallies back to back, heavy spin shots and the Romanian is looking to hang in their long and eventually beat Batra on ability to focus for long.

Match 2, Game 1: Manika Batra 11-7 Bernadette Szocs [Match Score: Batra 1-0 Szocs]

BATRA WINS THE FIRST GAME! Short, spinning returns off the long pips side mixed with some scornful forehand smashes. This is the 4th consecutive game she has won against Szocs, including their match at the Paris Olympics.

Match 2, Game 1: Manika Batra 8-6 Bernadette Szocs

COME BACK! Batra wins a couple of points with disdainful, cross smashes off the forehand. Then she wins a couple with spinning serves off the long pips.

Match 2, Game 1: Manika Batra 2-5 Bernadette Szocs

SZOCS STARTS WELL! Batra hasn't looked anywhere near her best thus far. Szocs has had some help from the net on a couple of points, but has been the better player overall yet.

Match 2: Manika Batra vs Bernadette Szocs

The marquee match is coming up now. Two paddlers who are household names in their respective countries. Both started young. Batra at the age of 4 and Szcos at the age of 6. Both were up against each other in the women's team event at the Paris Olympics. Batra clean swept Szocs in that all important encounter. The Romanian would be itching for redemption.