The high-octane energy that marked Kolkata ThunderBlades’ arrival at the EKA Arena, soundtracked by AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” slowly dissipated on Tuesday night as their semifinal hopes in Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 6 took a severe hit following a 9-8 defeat to Ahmedabad SG Pipers.
It was a night of fluctuating fortunes for the ThunderBlades, who, despite some strong individual performances, now find themselves on the brink of elimination in their debut UTT season.
The tie began promisingly as young Indian talent Ankur Bhattacharjee raced to an 8-1 lead against Ricardo Walther in the opening men’s singles. But the experienced German mounted a fierce comeback, exposing Bhattacharjee’s weaker forehand to snatch the first game on Golden Point, then cruising through the second 11-5. Bhattacharjee salvaged some pride with a narrow 11-10 win in the third, though it marked the end of his unbeaten run and left him visibly dejected on the bench.
The women’s singles match followed a similar rhythm. Adriana Diaz, ranked No. 17 in the world, initially trailed Ayhika Mukherjee but rallied back after losing the first game on Golden Point. Diaz’s 11-1 demolition in the deciding third game was not just a personal win—it was a morale booster for a ThunderBlades unit that needed inspiration.
Diaz then paired with Bhattacharjee to win the mixed doubles, putting the ThunderBlades narrowly ahead at 5-4. But just as momentum seemed to be shifting, the evening’s biggest upset unfolded.
World No. 25 Quadri Aruna fell in straight games to India’s Snehit Suravajjula, who had lost all six of his previous UTT appearances. Suravajjula displayed tactical brilliance, continually pushing Aruna into his weaker backhand corner and securing his maiden win in the league—a massive blow to Kolkata’s campaign.
Selena Selvakumar, with three 0-3 losses behind her, needed to whitewash compatriot Yashini Sivashankar in the final tie to secure the win. She managed a 2-1 victory, converting two clutch Golden Points—critical in a contest where ThunderBlades had faltered in three of five such moments earlier.
Now third with 36 points, the ThunderBlades face a tense wait. Their semifinal hopes hinge on other results: either PBG Pune Jaguars must drop at least eight games against Jaipur Patriots on Thursday, or Jaipur must concede 12 or more. The final league-stage tie between U Mumba and unbeaten Dabang Delhi TTC could also play a decisive role.
With Dabang Delhi and reigning champions Dempo Goa Challengers already through, the ThunderBlades’ dream run could yet have a final twist—or an abrupt end.
