The fourth series of contests in CEAT UTT to commence, in the quest to reserve a top four place Maharashtra United face Dabang Smashers T.T.C on the evening of Saturday 23rd June in New Delhi.

Both outfits are well on course to reserve a semi-final place, Dabang Smashers enter the round with 39 points, Maharashtra with 35 points.

Very much key to the success enjoyed by Dabang Smashers have been the efforts of Sathiyan Gnanasekaran; in the opening three ties he has collected no less than 13 points for his team, one game won equals one point. He has formed a very effective Mixed Doubles partnership with Sakura Mori, whilst in singles confrontations he has experienced just one defeat; that being against RP-SG Mavericks when beaten by three games to nil by Mattias Karlsson.

Equally, the efforts of Masaki Yoshida and Sakura Mori have proved vital for Dabang Smashers. Overall, the former has recorded seven points, the latter thanks very much to the partnership with Sathiyan Gnanasekaran at total of nine points. Equally, six points from each of Adriana Diaz and Manika Batra have proved invaluable, as have the four points scored by Cédric Nuytinck who did not play in the contest against Falcons.

Meanwhile, for Maharashtra United; Kristian Karlsson with a total of seven points is the leading name, whilst Elizabeta Samara and Lily Zhang have each recorded six points. However, the Mixed Doubles partnership of Amalraj Anthony and Elizabeta Samara has yet to operate on all cylinders; equally, there is a doubt over the fitness of Elizabeta Samara, the left ankle causing problems.

Defeats for Amalraj Anthony but defeats by two games to one in five of the six contests, means he has collected five most valuable points.

Amalraj Anthony may well have a key role to play against Dabang Smashers as could João Monteiro. He did not play in the 15-6 defeat when opposing Empowerji Challengers, has collected three points in total.

Yet another intriguing contest awaits.