Zhang survives scare against Divya in UTT

Empowerji Challengers' Divya Deshpande fought neck and neck against Lily Zhang of Maharashtra United, an opponent ranked 361 places above her, before the American pipped the Indian 2-1 in a thrilling CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis tie here today.

The audience at the Thyagraj Sports Complex was treated to an exciting battle in the first match itself.

The 28-year-old Deshpande, who had yet to win a game this season, rattled Zhang with her smart returns to win the first game 11-6 and continued to hustle in the next two. But the 22-year-old Zhang recovered well and displayed her superiority in tight finishes to prevail 11-10, 11-10 on golden points.

Maharashtra United gained a 2-1 lead with the win but Empowerji Challengers' captain Simon Gauzy levelled the scores with a 2-1 (11-7, 11-9, 10-11) victory over Anthony Amalraj.

Both teams were tied 3-3 after the first two matches.

After the Pune leg, Challengers were at the bottom of the six-team table with 15 points while Maharashtra were placed fourth with 20 points.