Dempo Goa Challengers Stay Unbeaten as Bernadette Szocs and Syndrela Das Seal Thrilling 8-7 Win Over Pune in Butterfly UTT Season 7

Dempo Goa Challengers Maintain Perfect Record

Goa, July 19, 2026: Romanian star Bernadette Szocs and Indian teenage paddler Syndrela Das starred as Dempo Goa Challengers edged PBG Pune Jaguars 8-7 in a thrilling Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 Powered by ChatGPT clash on Sunday.

While Szocs produced a commanding straight-games victory to swing the momentum in Goa's favour, Syndrela held her nerve in the decisive final match to secure the tie and preserve the Challengers' unbeaten record heading into the closing stages of the league phase.

Organised 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 Indian table tennis through elite competition and grassroots development initiatives.

Pune Push Goa All the Way

Dempo Goa Challengers found themselves under early pressure after Egypt's Omar Assar came from behind to hand Abhinandh PB his first singles defeat of the season.

Goa responded immediately as Bernadette Szocs dominated Prithika Pavade with a flawless straight-games victory to put the Challengers back in control.

PBG Pune Jaguars refused to back down, with Anirban Ghosh and Diya Chitale claiming the mixed doubles before Snehit Suravajjula rallied from a game down to defeat Alvaro Robles in another closely fought contest.

Syndrela Das Delivers Under Pressure

With the tie hanging in the balance, all eyes turned to the deciding singles clash between Syndrela Das and Diya Chitale.

The young Indian paddler showed remarkable composure by taking the opening game before Diya levelled the match. Syndrela responded brilliantly in the decider, sealing an 11-8 victory to hand Dempo Goa Challengers a hard-earned 8-7 triumph.

The result ensured Goa remained unbeaten in Butterfly UTT Season 7.

Awards

• ChatGPT Match IQ Player: Omar Assar
• Indian Player of the Tie: Syndrela Das
• Foreign Player of the Tie: Bernadette Szocs
• Bisleri Shot of the Tie: Anirban Ghosh

U Mumba Win Dream UTT Juniors Title

Earlier in the day, U Mumba TT lifted the Dream UTT Juniors title after defeating Dabang Delhi TTC 5-2 in the final.

Somdev Sengupta gave U Mumba the perfect start by winning the boys' singles before partnering Ahona Ray to claim the mixed doubles. Ahona then secured the championship with victory in the girls' singles, helping U Mumba win their maiden Dream UTT Juniors crown.

Next Match

Later on Sunday, HVR Kolkata Thunder Blades will face UP Prometheans as the league stage continues.

Final Score

Dempo Goa Challengers 8-7 PBG Pune Jaguars

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

(Inputs from Press Release)