UTT Season 7: Szocs, Syndrela power Dempo Goa to 8-7 win over Pune
Synopsis
Dempo Goa Challengers needed a teenage hero to stay perfect — and Syndrela Das delivered. With Bernadette Szocs providing the momentum and Syndrela winning the decider 11-8 against Diya Chitale, Goa survived a genuine scare from Pune to stay unbeaten in UTT Season 7. The margin was one game; the statement was emphatic.
Key Takeaways
Dempo Goa Challengers defeated PBG Pune Jaguars 8-7 in UTT Season 7 on 19 July , remaining unbeaten.
Bernadette Szocs beat Prithika Pavade in straight games to swing momentum in Goa's favour.
Syndrela Das won the deciding match against Diya Chitale 11-8 in the third game.
Snehit Suravajjula defeated Alvaro Robles in three games to level the tie before the decider.
U Mumba TT claimed the UTT Juniors title, defeating Dabang Delhi TTC 5-2 in the final.
Ahona Ray and Somdev Sengupta were key contributors to U Mumba's maiden Juniors championship.
Bernadette Szocs and teenage Indian paddler Syndrela Das delivered match-winning performances as Dempo Goa Challengers edged PBG Pune Jaguars 8-7 in a nail-biting Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 tie on Sunday, 19 July, preserving their unbeaten record at the top of the league standings. While the Romanian ace Szocs provided the momentum shift, it was Syndrela's composed decider that sealed Goa's hard-fought victory.
Key Developments
Goa's afternoon began on the back foot when Omar Assar rallied from a game down to hand Abhinandh PB his first singles defeat of the season. Szocs responded immediately, dismantling Prithika Pavade in straight games to restore Goa's advantage. Pune hit back through Anirban Ghosh and Diya Chitale in the mixed doubles, before Snehit Suravajjula overturned an early deficit to defeat Alvaro Robles in three games — levelling the tie and setting up a winner-takes-all decider.
Syndrela Das Seals the Tie
With the contest finely poised, Syndrela Das stepped up against Diya Chitale in the final match. The teenager claimed the opening game before Chitale forced a decider, but Syndrela held her composure to win the third game 11-8, clinching both the match and the tie. The result keeps Dempo Goa Challengers unbeaten as the league phase nears its conclusion.
Individual Honours
Omar Assar was named the Match IQ Player of the Tie for his singles victory over Abhinandh. Syndrela Das earned the Indian Player of the Tie award, while Bernadette Szocs took the Foreign Player of the Tie honour. Anirban Ghosh claimed the Bisleri Shot of the Tie award for a stunning winner in the mixed doubles.
UTT Juniors Final
Earlier in the day, U Mumba TT were crowned UTT Juniors champions after defeating Dabang Delhi TTC 5-2 in the final. Somdev Sengupta laid the foundation with a boys' singles win before teaming up with Ahona Ray to take the mixed doubles. Ahona Ray then sealed U Mumba's maiden Dream UTT Juniors title with victory in the girls' singles.
What's Next
The day's action was set to continue with HVR Kolkata Thunder Blades taking on UP Prometheans in the evening tie. With Goa's unbeaten run intact, attention now turns to whether any side can end their dominance before the league phase concludes.
Point of View
Which guarantees a deciding singles match, consistently exposes which franchises have genuine bench strength and which are one-star-player outfits. Goa, right now, look like the former.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the Dempo Goa Challengers vs PBG Pune Jaguars UTT Season 7 tie?
Dempo Goa Challengers defeated PBG Pune Jaguars 8-7 in a closely contested UTT Season 7 tie on 19 July. The result keeps Goa unbeaten at the top of the league standings.
How did Syndrela Das perform in the deciding match?
Syndrela Das won the deciding singles match against Diya Chitale, taking the third game 11-8 after Chitale had levelled the contest. Her composure under pressure earned her the Indian Player of the Tie award.
What did Bernadette Szocs contribute to Goa's win?
Bernadette Szocs defeated Prithika Pavade in straight games to swing momentum back in Goa's favour after an early setback. She was named the Foreign Player of the Tie for her performance.
Who won the UTT Juniors championship on the same day?
U Mumba TT were crowned UTT Juniors champions after beating Dabang Delhi TTC 5-2 in the final. Somdev Sengupta and Ahona Ray were the standout performers, with Ahona clinching the title in the girls' singles.
Who were the individual award winners from the Goa vs Pune tie?
Omar Assar won the Match IQ Player award, Syndrela Das took Indian Player of the Tie, Bernadette Szocs claimed Foreign Player of the Tie, and Anirban Ghosh received the Bisleri Shot of the Tie award.
