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Deadspin | Tennessee outlasts LSU, extends dominance of Tigers

Deadspin | Tennessee outlasts LSU, extends dominance of Tigers

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Feb 14, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) during a throw in during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

Tennessee’s J.P. Estrella notched 16 points and nine rebounds, and the Volunteers won for the seventh time in nine games by toppling LSU 73-63 on Saturday night in Knoxville, Tenn.

In a matchup where size mattered down the stretch, the 6-foot-11 Estrella made 7 of 9 field goals and hauled down six of his club’s 16 offensive rebounds.

Nate Ament added 22 points, nine rebounds and two blocks for the Volunteers (18-7, 8-4 Southeastern Conference), who earned their second straight victory.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie had 12 points and six assists as Tennessee beat LSU for the fifth straight time.

The Volunteers bodied their way to a massive 45-24 advantage on the boards.

The Tigers (14-11, 2-10) fell to 1-6 in its last seven games. Five of the losses are by double digits.

Marquel Sutton had 15 points and nine rebounds, while Jalen Reece had 15 points and four assists. Pablo Tamba scored 13 points and Mike Nwoko posted 10 and five rebounds.

Wearing all-black uniforms instead of their home orange, the Volunteers scored the first five points behind their two top scorers — Gillespie with a three-pointer and Ament with a short jumper.

The home side gradually pulled away as LSU went cold on a 2-for-14 shooting showing from the floor and failed to connect on a field goal for over six minutes, allowing Tennessee to lead 17-7 after Estrella’s dunk.

However, the Tigers cut it to single digits as Mazi Mosley drained two deep shots, the second one making it 23-15 with just under eight minutes remaining.

Tamba’s trey cut it to six, 35-29, as LSU made all but one of its last six shots of the half, while Tennessee went the final 4:44 without only one bucket.

Right out of halftime, Tamba hit another deep ball and Reece matched it as the Tigers knotted it 35-all. Reece canned another 3 to tie it at 40-40 as Tennessee found itself tied with over 16 minutes remaining.

Sutton’s two free throws gave the Tigers their first lead, 42-41, at 15:35.

Foul trouble on LSU’s big men, Robert Miller III and Nwoko, forced the visitors to play with a smaller lineup against Tennessee’s imposing frontcourt.

With 9:28 left, Gillespie capped an 8-0 run by stroking a long ball for a 58-50 lead, and the Volunteers exerted their size advantage to lock down the win.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Sei Young Kim grabs lead at midpoint of LA Championship Jun 20, 2025; Frisco, Texas, USA; Sei Young Kim plays her shot from the sixth tee during the second round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images World No. 10 Sei Young Kim of South Korea carded a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 on Friday and took a one-shot lead after two rounds at the JM Eagle LA Championship in Tarzana, Calif. Kim sits at 14-under 130 at El Caballero Country Club, just ahead of first-round leader Chizzy Iwai of Japan. Coming off a course-record-tying 63 on Thursday, Iwai carded a 68 on Friday, leaving her at 13 under. South Korea’s Ina Yoon holds third place at 12 under following a 64. Tied for fourth at 9 under are Melanie Green and South Korea’s Jin Hee Im, who each shot 68 on Friday, and Jessica Porvasnik, who logged a 69. Jenny Bae (second-round 68), Japan’s Minami Katsu (69), Australia’s Hannah Green (69) and Thailand’s Suvichaya Vinijchaitham (71) are level at 8 under, tied for seventh. Kim birdied two of the first three holes and was 2 under at the turn. She then reeled off five birdies in a seven-hole span on the back nine. “Little less windy today, because yesterday (it was a) very dry golf condition because (I started in the) afternoon,” Kim said. “So today … I can attack to the pin more than yesterday.” Kim owns 13 career LPGA victories, but just one in the past six years, at the BMW Ladies Championship last October. “This course (offers) a lot of the opportunity if you play well, so I think some players or couple players (will) play good and we’ll see, yeah, what’s going on,” Kim said. “Yeah, (I) like my position so I just want to keep (moving) forward (the) next two days.” Iwai had another good round, albeit nowhere near as good as her first-round 63. She had two birdies and one bogey through the first 12 holes, then added three birdies in a four-hole stretch starting at No. 13. “My front nine, I didn’t make … short birdie putts, but my driver and my second shot was all consistent, my swing,” Iwai said. “Yeah, my shot is pretty good.” Yoon charged into contention with a sizzling start to her round, making seven birdies and two pars on the back nine. She then played the front nine and cooled off, adding only one more birdie in a bogey-free day. “First nine holes was awesome,” Yoon said. “I never shoot 29 for nine hole in my life. It was unbelievable. “The back nine was little bummer, but I had pretty good shot on the back nine as well. Some tricky putts on there. I made some. But it was good overall.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sei #Young #Kim #grabs #lead #midpoint #ChampionshipJun 20, 2025; Frisco, Texas, USA; Sei Young Kim plays her shot from the sixth tee during the second round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

World No. 10 Sei Young Kim of South Korea carded a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 on Friday and took a one-shot lead after two rounds at the JM Eagle LA Championship in Tarzana, Calif.

Kim sits at 14-under 130 at El Caballero Country Club, just ahead of first-round leader Chizzy Iwai of Japan. Coming off a course-record-tying 63 on Thursday, Iwai carded a 68 on Friday, leaving her at 13 under.

South Korea’s Ina Yoon holds third place at 12 under following a 64. Tied for fourth at 9 under are Melanie Green and South Korea’s Jin Hee Im, who each shot 68 on Friday, and Jessica Porvasnik, who logged a 69.

Jenny Bae (second-round 68), Japan’s Minami Katsu (69), Australia’s Hannah Green (69) and Thailand’s Suvichaya Vinijchaitham (71) are level at 8 under, tied for seventh.

Kim birdied two of the first three holes and was 2 under at the turn. She then reeled off five birdies in a seven-hole span on the back nine.

“Little less windy today, because yesterday (it was a) very dry golf condition because (I started in the) afternoon,” Kim said. “So today … I can attack to the pin more than yesterday.”


Kim owns 13 career LPGA victories, but just one in the past six years, at the BMW Ladies Championship last October.

“This course (offers) a lot of the opportunity if you play well, so I think some players or couple players (will) play good and we’ll see, yeah, what’s going on,” Kim said. “Yeah, (I) like my position so I just want to keep (moving) forward (the) next two days.”

Iwai had another good round, albeit nowhere near as good as her first-round 63. She had two birdies and one bogey through the first 12 holes, then added three birdies in a four-hole stretch starting at No. 13.

“My front nine, I didn’t make … short birdie putts, but my driver and my second shot was all consistent, my swing,” Iwai said. “Yeah, my shot is pretty good.”

Yoon charged into contention with a sizzling start to her round, making seven birdies and two pars on the back nine. She then played the front nine and cooled off, adding only one more birdie in a bogey-free day.

“First nine holes was awesome,” Yoon said. “I never shoot 29 for nine hole in my life. It was unbelievable.

“The back nine was little bummer, but I had pretty good shot on the back nine as well. Some tricky putts on there. I made some. But it was good overall.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sei #Young #Kim #grabs #lead #midpoint #Championship">Deadspin | Sei Young Kim grabs lead at midpoint of LA Championship Jun 20, 2025; Frisco, Texas, USA; Sei Young Kim plays her shot from the sixth tee during the second round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images World No. 10 Sei Young Kim of South Korea carded a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 on Friday and took a one-shot lead after two rounds at the JM Eagle LA Championship in Tarzana, Calif. Kim sits at 14-under 130 at El Caballero Country Club, just ahead of first-round leader Chizzy Iwai of Japan. Coming off a course-record-tying 63 on Thursday, Iwai carded a 68 on Friday, leaving her at 13 under. South Korea’s Ina Yoon holds third place at 12 under following a 64. Tied for fourth at 9 under are Melanie Green and South Korea’s Jin Hee Im, who each shot 68 on Friday, and Jessica Porvasnik, who logged a 69. Jenny Bae (second-round 68), Japan’s Minami Katsu (69), Australia’s Hannah Green (69) and Thailand’s Suvichaya Vinijchaitham (71) are level at 8 under, tied for seventh. Kim birdied two of the first three holes and was 2 under at the turn. She then reeled off five birdies in a seven-hole span on the back nine. “Little less windy today, because yesterday (it was a) very dry golf condition because (I started in the) afternoon,” Kim said. “So today … I can attack to the pin more than yesterday.” Kim owns 13 career LPGA victories, but just one in the past six years, at the BMW Ladies Championship last October. “This course (offers) a lot of the opportunity if you play well, so I think some players or couple players (will) play good and we’ll see, yeah, what’s going on,” Kim said. “Yeah, (I) like my position so I just want to keep (moving) forward (the) next two days.” Iwai had another good round, albeit nowhere near as good as her first-round 63. She had two birdies and one bogey through the first 12 holes, then added three birdies in a four-hole stretch starting at No. 13. “My front nine, I didn’t make … short birdie putts, but my driver and my second shot was all consistent, my swing,” Iwai said. “Yeah, my shot is pretty good.” Yoon charged into contention with a sizzling start to her round, making seven birdies and two pars on the back nine. She then played the front nine and cooled off, adding only one more birdie in a bogey-free day. “First nine holes was awesome,” Yoon said. “I never shoot 29 for nine hole in my life. It was unbelievable. “The back nine was little bummer, but I had pretty good shot on the back nine as well. Some tricky putts on there. I made some. But it was good overall.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sei #Young #Kim #grabs #lead #midpoint #Championship

Deadspin | Red Sox halt Tigers’ win streak on walk-off hit in 10th Apr 17, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images Masataka Yoshida knocked a pinch-hit, walk-off single in the 10th inning, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 1-0 win over the visiting Detroit Tigers on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. Yoshida’s hit through the right side of the infield drove in Jarren Duran, the automatic runner on second base to begin the extra frame who advanced to third on a wild pitch by Detroit reliever Will Vest (1-3). After starter Ranger Suarez tossed eight innings of two-hit ball, Red Sox relievers Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock (1-1) each pitched scoreless frames. Suarez did not allow a hit after the first inning and retired the final 13 batters he faced. Chapman gave up a pair of hits in the ninth, including a leadoff single by Javier Baez, who was then caught stealing. After Kevin McGonigle’s fielder’s choice and a Jones double into the left field corner, Dillon Dingler struck out to end the threat. Whitlock dealt a 1-2-3 10th. Jahmai Jones went 2-for-4 with a double and starter Casey Mize struck out seven in 6 2/3 scoreless innings for Detroit, which was on a six-game win streak but lost its ninth straight road game. Both teams recorded just four hits. Suarez worked around back-to-back hits to post a scoreless first, as a relay from the outfield cut down Jones trying to stretch a one-out hit into a double — thanks to a successful challenge overturning a safe call — before Dingler struck out to end the frame. The Red Sox, meanwhile, were held hitless until Connor Wong’s two-out, ground-rule double deep to the center-field triangle in the third. Mize struck out three across the first two innings and induced an inning-ending double play in the fourth. Caleb Durbin’s leadoff double into the left field corner started Boston’s sixth, but he was stranded on third as two fly balls and a strikeout. Duran’s two-out single in the seventh chased Mize, though Kyle Finnegan stranded the inherited runner in scoring position following a stolen base. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Red #Sox #halt #Tigers #win #streak #walkoff #hit #10thApr 17, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Masataka Yoshida knocked a pinch-hit, walk-off single in the 10th inning, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 1-0 win over the visiting Detroit Tigers on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series.

Yoshida’s hit through the right side of the infield drove in Jarren Duran, the automatic runner on second base to begin the extra frame who advanced to third on a wild pitch by Detroit reliever Will Vest (1-3).

After starter Ranger Suarez tossed eight innings of two-hit ball, Red Sox relievers Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock (1-1) each pitched scoreless frames.

Suarez did not allow a hit after the first inning and retired the final 13 batters he faced.

Chapman gave up a pair of hits in the ninth, including a leadoff single by Javier Baez, who was then caught stealing. After Kevin McGonigle’s fielder’s choice and a Jones double into the left field corner, Dillon Dingler struck out to end the threat.


Whitlock dealt a 1-2-3 10th.

Jahmai Jones went 2-for-4 with a double and starter Casey Mize struck out seven in 6 2/3 scoreless innings for Detroit, which was on a six-game win streak but lost its ninth straight road game.

Both teams recorded just four hits.

Suarez worked around back-to-back hits to post a scoreless first, as a relay from the outfield cut down Jones trying to stretch a one-out hit into a double — thanks to a successful challenge overturning a safe call — before Dingler struck out to end the frame.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, were held hitless until Connor Wong’s two-out, ground-rule double deep to the center-field triangle in the third. Mize struck out three across the first two innings and induced an inning-ending double play in the fourth.

Caleb Durbin’s leadoff double into the left field corner started Boston’s sixth, but he was stranded on third as two fly balls and a strikeout. Duran’s two-out single in the seventh chased Mize, though Kyle Finnegan stranded the inherited runner in scoring position following a stolen base.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #halt #Tigers #win #streak #walkoff #hit #10th">Deadspin | Red Sox halt Tigers’ win streak on walk-off hit in 10th Apr 17, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images Masataka Yoshida knocked a pinch-hit, walk-off single in the 10th inning, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 1-0 win over the visiting Detroit Tigers on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. Yoshida’s hit through the right side of the infield drove in Jarren Duran, the automatic runner on second base to begin the extra frame who advanced to third on a wild pitch by Detroit reliever Will Vest (1-3). After starter Ranger Suarez tossed eight innings of two-hit ball, Red Sox relievers Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock (1-1) each pitched scoreless frames. Suarez did not allow a hit after the first inning and retired the final 13 batters he faced. Chapman gave up a pair of hits in the ninth, including a leadoff single by Javier Baez, who was then caught stealing. After Kevin McGonigle’s fielder’s choice and a Jones double into the left field corner, Dillon Dingler struck out to end the threat. Whitlock dealt a 1-2-3 10th. Jahmai Jones went 2-for-4 with a double and starter Casey Mize struck out seven in 6 2/3 scoreless innings for Detroit, which was on a six-game win streak but lost its ninth straight road game. Both teams recorded just four hits. Suarez worked around back-to-back hits to post a scoreless first, as a relay from the outfield cut down Jones trying to stretch a one-out hit into a double — thanks to a successful challenge overturning a safe call — before Dingler struck out to end the frame. The Red Sox, meanwhile, were held hitless until Connor Wong’s two-out, ground-rule double deep to the center-field triangle in the third. Mize struck out three across the first two innings and induced an inning-ending double play in the fourth. Caleb Durbin’s leadoff double into the left field corner started Boston’s sixth, but he was stranded on third as two fly balls and a strikeout. Duran’s two-out single in the seventh chased Mize, though Kyle Finnegan stranded the inherited runner in scoring position following a stolen base. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Red #Sox #halt #Tigers #win #streak #walkoff #hit #10th

Reigning champion U Mumba TT will return with its title-winning coaching combination of Jay Modak and John Murphy, while national team coach Sourav Chakraborty will be among four new faces making their Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) debut, as all seven teams confirmed their coaching line-ups for Season 7, set to be held in Goa in July 2026.

Chakraborty will take charge of Ahmedabad APL Pipers in his first stint in the league, while former Season 1 player Abhishek Yadav returns in a coaching role with UP Prometheans. Dabang Delhi TTC will field an entirely new coaching set-up, with Czech Republic’s Petr David, a three-time Czech men’s doubles champion and two-time mixed doubles champion, joining Indian tactician Srivatsa Chakravarthy.

The franchise-based league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India, will continue to showcase top-tier coaching talent, with a blend of continuity and fresh faces across teams. Matches will be streamed on JioHotstar and broadcast on the Star Sports network.

Commenting on the coaching line-ups, Butterfly UTT co-promoter Vita Dani said: “It’s exciting to see such a strong blend of continuity and fresh perspectives across teams this season.

Coaches are central to how teams prepare, adapt and perform, and this mix of experienced names and new entrants will raise the overall level of competition. We’re looking forward to another closely fought season with high-quality table tennis.”

ALSO READ: A. S. Sharvaanica crowned FIDE World Rapid Under-12 Girls’ Champion

At U Mumba TT, the title-winning duo of Modak and Murphy continues, with Modak’s work in nurturing young talent complemented by Murphy’s international experience. UP Prometheans will see Yadav step into a coaching role alongside the returning Chris Pfeiffer, while Ahmedabad APL Pipers welcome back former champion Francisco Santos after a season away, partnering with Chakraborty.

Among the continuing combinations, Dempo Goa Challengers have retained Parag Agarwal and Elena Timina. Sachin Shetty, extending his run of appearing in every UTT season so far, returns alongside Frenchman Julien Girard for PBG Pune Jaguars, while Kolkata Thunderblades continue with the pairing of Jubin Kumar and Tobias Bergman.

The seventh season of India’s premier table tennis league will feature seven teams in a round-robin format, with each team playing the others once. After 21 matches, the top four will advance to the semi-finals.

Coaches for upcoming season

A hmedabad APL Pipers – Sourav Chakraborty (Indian), Francisco Santos (Foreign)

P BG Pune Jaguars – Sachin Shetty (Indian), Julien Girard (Foreign)

D empo Goa Challengers – Parag Agarwal (Indian), Elena Timina (Foreign)

D abang Delhi TTC – Srivatsa Chakravarthy (Indian), Petr David (Foreign)

K olkata Thunderblades – Jubin Kumar (Indian), Tobias Bergman (Foreign)

U Mumba TT – Jay Modak (Indian), John Murphy (Foreign)

U P Prometheans – Abhishek Yadav (Indian), Chris Pfeiffer (Foreign)

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Mumba #retains #titlewinning #coaching #duo #Chakraborty #set #UTT #debut #Season">U Mumba TT retains title-winning coaching duo; Chakraborty set for UTT debut in Season 7 Reigning champion U Mumba TT will return with its title-winning coaching combination of Jay Modak and John Murphy, while national team coach Sourav Chakraborty will be among four new faces making their Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) debut, as all seven teams confirmed their coaching line-ups for Season 7, set to be held in Goa in July 2026.Chakraborty will take charge of Ahmedabad APL Pipers in his first stint in the league, while former Season 1 player Abhishek Yadav returns in a coaching role with UP Prometheans. Dabang Delhi TTC will field an entirely new coaching set-up, with Czech Republic’s Petr David, a three-time Czech men’s doubles champion and two-time mixed doubles champion, joining Indian tactician Srivatsa Chakravarthy.The franchise-based league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India, will continue to showcase top-tier coaching talent, with a blend of continuity and fresh faces across teams. Matches will be streamed on JioHotstar and broadcast on the Star Sports network.Commenting on the coaching line-ups, Butterfly UTT co-promoter Vita Dani said: “It’s exciting to see such a strong blend of continuity and fresh perspectives across teams this season.Coaches are central to how teams prepare, adapt and perform, and this mix of experienced names and new entrants will raise the overall level of competition. We’re looking forward to another closely fought season with high-quality table tennis.”ALSO READ: A. S. Sharvaanica crowned FIDE World Rapid Under-12 Girls’ ChampionAt U Mumba TT, the title-winning duo of Modak and Murphy continues, with Modak’s work in nurturing young talent complemented by Murphy’s international experience. UP Prometheans will see Yadav step into a coaching role alongside the returning Chris Pfeiffer, while Ahmedabad APL Pipers welcome back former champion Francisco Santos after a season away, partnering with Chakraborty.Among the continuing combinations, Dempo Goa Challengers have retained Parag Agarwal and Elena Timina. Sachin Shetty, extending his run of appearing in every UTT season so far, returns alongside Frenchman Julien Girard for PBG Pune Jaguars, while Kolkata Thunderblades continue with the pairing of Jubin Kumar and Tobias Bergman.The seventh season of India’s premier table tennis league will feature seven teams in a round-robin format, with each team playing the others once. After 21 matches, the top four will advance to the semi-finals. Coaches for upcoming season A hmedabad APL Pipers – Sourav Chakraborty (Indian), Francisco Santos (Foreign) P BG Pune Jaguars – Sachin Shetty (Indian), Julien Girard (Foreign) D empo Goa Challengers – Parag Agarwal (Indian), Elena Timina (Foreign) D abang Delhi TTC – Srivatsa Chakravarthy (Indian), Petr David (Foreign) K olkata Thunderblades – Jubin Kumar (Indian), Tobias Bergman (Foreign) U Mumba TT – Jay Modak (Indian), John Murphy (Foreign) U P Prometheans – Abhishek Yadav (Indian), Chris Pfeiffer (Foreign) Published on Apr 18, 2026 #Mumba #retains #titlewinning #coaching #duo #Chakraborty #set #UTT #debut #Season

A. S. Sharvaanica crowned FIDE World Rapid Under-12 Girls’ Champion

At U Mumba TT, the title-winning duo of Modak and Murphy continues, with Modak’s work in nurturing young talent complemented by Murphy’s international experience. UP Prometheans will see Yadav step into a coaching role alongside the returning Chris Pfeiffer, while Ahmedabad APL Pipers welcome back former champion Francisco Santos after a season away, partnering with Chakraborty.

Among the continuing combinations, Dempo Goa Challengers have retained Parag Agarwal and Elena Timina. Sachin Shetty, extending his run of appearing in every UTT season so far, returns alongside Frenchman Julien Girard for PBG Pune Jaguars, while Kolkata Thunderblades continue with the pairing of Jubin Kumar and Tobias Bergman.

The seventh season of India’s premier table tennis league will feature seven teams in a round-robin format, with each team playing the others once. After 21 matches, the top four will advance to the semi-finals.

Coaches for upcoming season

A hmedabad APL Pipers – Sourav Chakraborty (Indian), Francisco Santos (Foreign)

P BG Pune Jaguars – Sachin Shetty (Indian), Julien Girard (Foreign)

D empo Goa Challengers – Parag Agarwal (Indian), Elena Timina (Foreign)

D abang Delhi TTC – Srivatsa Chakravarthy (Indian), Petr David (Foreign)

K olkata Thunderblades – Jubin Kumar (Indian), Tobias Bergman (Foreign)

U Mumba TT – Jay Modak (Indian), John Murphy (Foreign)

U P Prometheans – Abhishek Yadav (Indian), Chris Pfeiffer (Foreign)

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Mumba #retains #titlewinning #coaching #duo #Chakraborty #set #UTT #debut #Season">U Mumba TT retains title-winning coaching duo; Chakraborty set for UTT debut in Season 7

Reigning champion U Mumba TT will return with its title-winning coaching combination of Jay Modak and John Murphy, while national team coach Sourav Chakraborty will be among four new faces making their Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) debut, as all seven teams confirmed their coaching line-ups for Season 7, set to be held in Goa in July 2026.

Chakraborty will take charge of Ahmedabad APL Pipers in his first stint in the league, while former Season 1 player Abhishek Yadav returns in a coaching role with UP Prometheans. Dabang Delhi TTC will field an entirely new coaching set-up, with Czech Republic’s Petr David, a three-time Czech men’s doubles champion and two-time mixed doubles champion, joining Indian tactician Srivatsa Chakravarthy.

The franchise-based league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India, will continue to showcase top-tier coaching talent, with a blend of continuity and fresh faces across teams. Matches will be streamed on JioHotstar and broadcast on the Star Sports network.

Commenting on the coaching line-ups, Butterfly UTT co-promoter Vita Dani said: “It’s exciting to see such a strong blend of continuity and fresh perspectives across teams this season.

Coaches are central to how teams prepare, adapt and perform, and this mix of experienced names and new entrants will raise the overall level of competition. We’re looking forward to another closely fought season with high-quality table tennis.”

ALSO READ: A. S. Sharvaanica crowned FIDE World Rapid Under-12 Girls’ Champion

At U Mumba TT, the title-winning duo of Modak and Murphy continues, with Modak’s work in nurturing young talent complemented by Murphy’s international experience. UP Prometheans will see Yadav step into a coaching role alongside the returning Chris Pfeiffer, while Ahmedabad APL Pipers welcome back former champion Francisco Santos after a season away, partnering with Chakraborty.

Among the continuing combinations, Dempo Goa Challengers have retained Parag Agarwal and Elena Timina. Sachin Shetty, extending his run of appearing in every UTT season so far, returns alongside Frenchman Julien Girard for PBG Pune Jaguars, while Kolkata Thunderblades continue with the pairing of Jubin Kumar and Tobias Bergman.

The seventh season of India’s premier table tennis league will feature seven teams in a round-robin format, with each team playing the others once. After 21 matches, the top four will advance to the semi-finals.

Coaches for upcoming season

A hmedabad APL Pipers – Sourav Chakraborty (Indian), Francisco Santos (Foreign)

P BG Pune Jaguars – Sachin Shetty (Indian), Julien Girard (Foreign)

D empo Goa Challengers – Parag Agarwal (Indian), Elena Timina (Foreign)

D abang Delhi TTC – Srivatsa Chakravarthy (Indian), Petr David (Foreign)

K olkata Thunderblades – Jubin Kumar (Indian), Tobias Bergman (Foreign)

U Mumba TT – Jay Modak (Indian), John Murphy (Foreign)

U P Prometheans – Abhishek Yadav (Indian), Chris Pfeiffer (Foreign)

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Mumba #retains #titlewinning #coaching #duo #Chakraborty #set #UTT #debut #Season

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