Manika seals Ahmedabad's win over Pune

Panaji, Jul 18 (PTI) Manika Batra produced a commanding straight-games victory over Prithika Pavade as Ahmedabad APL Pipers jumped to the top of the table with a 10-5 win over PBG Pune Jaguars in the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) here on Saturday. Ahmedabad made the perfect start as Adrien Rassenfosse handed Snehit Suravajjula his first singles defeat of the season, recovering from a late fightback to clinch the contest -- 1-8, 11-6, 8-11. Sofia Polcanova then bounced back after dropping the opener to edge Diya Chitale in their first-ever meeting, winning both the second and third games on Golden Point to double the advantage. She won 4-11, 11-10, 11-10. Payas Jain and Polcanova extended Ahmedabad's lead with a composed mixed doubles comeback of 9-11, 11-6, 11-7 before Omar Assar kept Pune alive by edging Payas in another three-game battle -- 6-11, 11-7, 9-11. Manika, however, ensured there would be no late twist, controlling proceedings throughout to defeat Pavade 11-8, 11-7, 11-8 and complete a comprehensive victory for the Pipers. PTI UNG UNG AH AH