Six years after making their debut in the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) league, U Mumba TT finally have their moment in the sun.
On a high-energy Sunday night, they delivered a commanding performance to defeat first-time finalists Jaipur Patriots 8-4 in the Season 6 final and claim their first-ever UTT title.
It was a night of redemption, resilience, and ruthless execution a culmination of a rollercoaster campaign that saw them sneak into the knockouts on the final day and go on to script a dream finish.
A Team Effort, a Statement Victory
The final began with fireworks and ended with a statement. Every member of the U Mumba squad stepped up when it mattered, led by the indefatigable Bernadette Szocs and the rising Indian talent Akash Pal. Their energy and precision were infectious, sparking a wave of momentum that Jaipur simply couldn’t halt.
The opening match set the tone, as Lilian Bardet avenged his league phase defeat to Kanak Jha with a strong comeback. After dropping the first game 4-11, Bardet roared back to take the next two 11-5, 11-7 and give U Mumba a crucial early lead at 2-1.
Bernadette Szocs Ends Sreeja’s Streak
In the most anticipated clash of the night, Bernadette Szocs faced off against India’s Sreeja Akula who had been unbeaten all season. The match didn’t disappoint in intensity. Szocs claimed the opening game 11-9, dropped the second in a tight 10-11 battle, and then elevated her game in the decider to win 11-5.
Szocs’ performance not only handed Sreeja her first loss of the campaign, but also gave U Mumba a 4-2 lead and a psychological edge that visibly rattled the Patriots. Her celebration after the win a mix of relief and fierce pride lit up the stadium and underlined the importance of that moment.
Doubles Domination Seals the Deal
What followed was nothing short of a masterclass. The mixed doubles pair of Bernadette Szocs and Akash Pal were flawless, demolishing Jeet Chandra and Britt Eerland 11-6, 11-5, 11-5 in a straight-sets win that pushed U Mumba to a 7-2 lead just one game away from the title.
Their synergy on the table, sharp angles, and quick transitions proved too much for the Jaipur pair, who struggled to find rhythm or response. It was the kind of performance finals are remembered for — clinical, charismatic, and conclusive.
Jaipur’s Fight, But Not Enough
To their credit, the Patriots did not roll over. Jeet Chandra came out determined in the final match of the tie against young PB Abhinandh. Jeet quickly took the first two games 11-5, 11-8, keeping a slim hope alive for Jaipur. But Abhinandh salvaged one point by taking the third game 11-8, sealing the overall tie at 8-4 in U Mumba’s favour.
Jaipur may have fallen short in the final, but their journey to the title clash as debutants was commendable. With a balanced roster and breakout performances throughout the season, they have laid a strong foundation for future campaigns.
A Fitting End to a Diverse Season
Season 6 of UTT featured 50 players representing 17 countries a showcase of global talent meshed with Indian rising stars. The level of competition this year was perhaps the best the league has seen, and U Mumba’s triumph is a testament to building the right core and peaking at the right time.
Their path to the title wasn’t easy. They barely made the playoffs, needing results to go their way on the final league day. In the semifinals, they were down 4-7 before mounting a stunning comeback. And in the final, they were up against an inspired opponent in Jaipur Patriots who had shown exceptional consistency all season.
But champions are made in moments like these when momentum meets belief, and preparation meets pressure. U Mumba showed all of it in Antwerp.
Redemption After Heartbreak
This title win also breaks a long-standing jinx for the Mumbai-based franchise. Since joining the league in 2019, U Mumba had always promised potential but often fell short at crucial stages. That script was finally rewritten in emphatic style on Sunday.
For players like Bernadette Szocs, who brought both flair and fire to the table, and young guns like Akash Pal and PB Abhinandh, who held their nerve under pressure, the victory is more than a medal it’s validation. For the coaching staff and management, who backed experience and youth in equal measure, it’s a reward for vision and trust.
What’s Next?
As the curtains fall on UTT Season 6, the focus now shifts to the development of Indian talent and the league’s impact on the global table tennis map. With world-class imports mixing with India’s best, the platform continues to grow in competitiveness and visibility.
For now, though, it’s U Mumba TT’s time to shine. From scraping through the league phase to lifting the trophy their journey has been nothing short of cinematic.
Streak broken. Revenge taken. Title won.