Panaji: There is a gulf of difference in world rankings of India’s Abhinandh Pradhivadhi and France star Lilian Bardet. To be precise, 168 places separate the two players.But in Thursday’s opener against defending champions U Mumba TT, Abhinandh came up with a major upset to defeat the world number 42 in straight games at the Ultimate Table Tennis in Taleigao. It was the perfect start for Dempo Goa Challengers as they cruised to a 10-5 victory.Prior to the start, nobody gave Abhinandh a chance against his experienced opponent who was part of the France team that won the silver at the 2024 World Championships.“None of us expected Abhinandh to win 3-0,” said Dempo Goa Challengers coach Parag Agarwal. “We thought he would at least get us a point. But there was a strong belief that he will do well.”Abhinandh, 18, who won the title with U Mumba TT last season, raced to a 11-6, 11-2, 11-3 victory in the first game against Lilian. Abhinandh’s powerful forehand drives and a devastating serve–winning 21 of his 33 points made the difference.The Frenchman felt the heat right from the start as Abhinandh came charging to secure every crucial point.Abhinandh’s performance put two-time champions Goa into the driver’s seat. Bernadette Szocs, the tournament’s highest ranked women player and three-time Olympian, took it forward in the second singles match. Nithyashree Mani put up some resistance against the Romanian before going down 7-11, 9-11, 7-11.In the mixed doubles tie, Abhinandh paired up with Bernadette against Manush Shah and Anna Hursey.Goa won the first game 11-7, but U Mumba TT put up a fight in the second game to win 11-7, also their first of the evening after losing seven straight games.Abhinandh and Bernadette, however, remained composed and focussed in the third game for a 11-6 win. “Bernadette is full of confidence and helps the team throughout. She never played with such a young partner before but gave Abhinandh confidence, which was much needed,” said Parag. In the fourth game, Manush won a golden point to win the first game against Spaniard Alvaro Robles 11-10. But Alvaro, the two-time Olympian from Spain, roared back for a 11-8 win in the second game. However, Manush put up a fight to win the third game 11-4.U Mumba TT were not happy with their overall performance but finished strongly as Anna Hursey defeated Syndrela Das 11-9, 9-11, 7-11.Results: Dempo Goa Challengers bt U Mumba TT 10-5Abhinandh PB bt Lilian Bardet 11-6, 11-2, 11-3; Bernadette Szocs bt Nithyashrree Mani 11-7, 11-9, 11-7; Abhinandh PB/Bernadette Szocs bt Manush Shah/Anna Hursey 11-7, 7-11, 11-6; Alvaro Robles lost to Manush Shah 10-11, 11-8, 4-11; Syndrea Das lost to Anna Hursey 11-9, 9-11, 7-11.
