Jeet and PBG Bengaluru Smashers laid down a strong statement in their opening tie against hosts Chennai Lions, winning by a margin of 11-4. En route to the thumping win, Jeet defeated India\u2019s top-ranked male paddler, Achanta Sharath Kamal, 3-0, adding to his team\u2019s comprehensive victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Captain Alvaro Robles, USA ace Lily Zhang, and experienced Indian paddler Anthony Amalraj - who only participated in the mixed doubles - also stood out for their displays for PBG Bengaluru Smashers, who will be aiming to build on the strong showing in their opening tie when they face Puneri Paltan Table Tennis.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great feeling, especially beating him (Sharath) in Chennai,\u201d Jeet said. \u201cWe\u2019re looking forward; we\u2019re just getting started. We\u2019re preparing for the upcoming matches.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While they would later relinquish that milestone to the team from Bengaluru, Puneri Paltan Table Tennis had earlier claimed the season\u2019s biggest win in their 10-5 victory against debutants Ahmedabad SG Pipers. Giant-killing, again, was the theme of the tie, especially as Ayhika beat the league\u2019s highest-ranked player, Bernadette Szocs, 3-0. Seventeen-year-old Ankur Bhattacharjee, too, had impressed in his sweeping win over French paddler Lilian Bardet.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was excited to play with her (Szocs); I was really happy because I have always loved playing against higher-ranked players,\u201d said Ayhika. \u201cI prepared myself. I wasn\u2019t thinking about winning or losing; I was only thinking about playing my best game. And yeah, it turned out well!\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Another big win for either side could help them bring closer to the first target: crossing into the playoffs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Squads:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
PBG Bengaluru Smashers: Manika Batra, Alvaro Robles (Spain), Lily Zhang (USA), Jeet Chandra, Taneesha Kotecha, Amalraj Anthony<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Squads:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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