Ahmedabad to take on Delhi on Monday, with all the action live on the Star Sports Network and JioHotstar

Goa, July 19, 2026: HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades strengthened their playoff push with a convincing 10-5 victory over UP Prometheans, while Dempo Goa Challengers continued their unbeaten run in Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 powered by ChatGPT on Sunday. Kolkata's Indian duo of Ankur Bhattacharjee and Ayhika Mukherjee starred once again, while Goa survived a spirited challenge from PBG Pune Jaguars to remain the league's only unbeaten side.

Ankur swept Manav Thakkar before combining with Ayhika to maintain their unbeaten mixed doubles record, laying the platform for Kolkata's win. Earlier in the day, Goa edged Pune 8-7 after teenager Syndrela Das held her nerve in the deciding match, with Bernadette Szocs' flawless singles performance proving equally crucial.

Staged under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) and promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani, Butterfly UTT Season 7 features 42 players from around the world, including 14 Olympians, while continuing to strengthen the Indian table tennis ecosystem through elite competition and year-round development initiatives.

Kolkata seized control from the outset as Ankur edged Manav in successive Golden Point games before cruising through the third to complete a straight-games victory. Zeng Jian then overcame Swastika Ghosh in three games, while Ankur and Ayhika continued their unbeaten run in mixed doubles to move Kolkata within touching distance of the victory.

UP found a response through Ricardo Walther, who blanked Eduard Ionescu in straight games to keep the contest alive. But Ayhika ensured there would be no late comeback, defeating Sayali Wani in straight games to seal another crucial victory for Kolkata. Ankur was named the ChatGPT Match IQ Player and Indian Player of the Tie, while Walther took home the Foreign Player of the Tie award. Ayhika earned the Bisleri Shot of the Tie honour.

In the first tie, Goa's afternoon began with a setback as Omar Assar rallied from a game down to hand Abhinandh PB his first singles defeat of the season. Szocs turned the tie, producing a straight-games victory over Prithika Pavade before Pune cut the deficit in the mixed doubles. Snehit Suravajjula then beat Robles, leaving Goa needing a result in the final match.

Under pressure, teenager Syndrela claimed the opening game before Diya forced a decider. The 16-year-old responded with a composed 11-8 victory to clinch the tie, preserving Goa's unbeaten record. Assar was named the ChatGPT Match IQ Player, Syndrela the Indian Player of the Tie, and Szocs the Foreign Player of the Tie. Anirban claimed the Bisleri Shot of the Tie award.

Earlier, U Mumba TT were crowned Dream UTT Juniors champions after defeating Dabang Delhi TTC 5-2 in the final. Somdev Sengupta laid the foundation with victory in the boys' singles before partnering Ahona Ray to win the mixed doubles. Ahona then sealed U Mumba's maiden Dream UTT Juniors title with victory in the girls' singles.

Season 7 matches will be live on Star Sports Khel (Hindi), Star Sports Tamil 2 HD and Star Sports Tamil 3 HD, and streamed live on JioHotstar in Hindi, Tamil and English.

Final Score

Dempo Goa Challengers 8-7 PBG Pune Jaguars

Abhinandh PB lost to Omar Assar 1-2 (11-10, 5-11, 8-11)
Bernadette Szocs bt. Prithika Pavade 3-0 (11-6, 11-9, 11-5)
Alvaro Robles/Syndrela Das lost to Anirban Ghosh/Diya Chitale 1-2 (10-11, 11-4, 6-11)
Alvaro Robles lost to Snehit Suravajjula 1-2 (11-2, 8-11, 10-11)
Syndrela Das bt. Diya Chitale 2-1 (11-7, 7-11, 11-8)

HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades 10-5 UP Prometheans

Ankur Bhattacharjee bt. Manav Thakkar 3-0 (11-10, 11-10, 11-3)
Zeng Jian bt. Swastika Ghosh 2-1 (11-7, 8-11, 11-8)
Ankur Bhattacharjee/Ayhika Mukherjee bt. Ricardo Walther/Swastika Ghosh 2-1 (11-3, 8-11, 11-8)
Eduard Ionescu lost to Ricardo Walther 0-3 (9-11, 8-11, 8-11)
Ayhika Mukherjee bt. Sayali Wani 3-0 (11-8, 11-10, 11-7)

About Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT)

Launched in 2017, Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) is India’s premier franchise-based table tennis league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). Over the years, Butterfly UTT has established itself as one of the world’s leading table tennis leagues, bringing together elite Indian and international paddlers, including Olympic, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games medalists. With each edition, the league continues to raise the standard of the sport in India, providing a global platform for emerging and established talent. Season 7 features seven franchises competing for the coveted title.