Hoi Kem, Manav fuel U Mumba

We (U Mumba) go into the 2019 Ultimate Table Tennis league high on confidence, with our eyes set firmly on the crown. We have a very balanced squad, led by Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem, who is easily one of the best players in the UTT this season. Kazakhstan’s Kirill Gerassimenko is also an Olympian and is expected to play a lead role.

India’s Manav Thakkar is going to be the captain and even he sees it as a great opportunity. He has sparkled at youth level, going all the way to the top of the world rankings, and this will be his chance to shine against big boys.

We have high hopes from Suthirtha Mukherjee too, who is extremely good against her countrymates in home conditions.

If at all I have to pick an X-factor from my team I will say it is Kirill Gerassimenko. He is playing in his first UTT and may find the setting in India demanding. It all depends on how he adjusts to this and also how soon he gets used to playing in an event like this.

Of course, the tournament is going to be very challenging, with players like Sharath Kamal, G Sathiyan and Chuang Chih-Yuan all bracing to put their best foot forward.

We are, however, confident that we can hold our ground and tough it out against these behemoths.

As for the team that can go all the way or at least looks the strongest on paper, I will say that all are evenly matched and nobody will start as a favourite.

This is one of the main reasons why UTT 3 will be more thrilling and much closer than before. I believe that the team that adapts quickest to the new format, that is shorter and faster, will hold the edge. One needs to get off to good starts and play the big strokes to succeed here.

UTT itself is going to be thrilling to watch, offering tight contests and close matches to viewers and spectators alike.

UTT has provided the Indian players a great platform to showcase their skills and is helping in bridging the gap against top foreigners. It has boosted the confidence of our youngsters and is making them stronger mentally and game-wise. I am expecting the trend to continue this year and am hopeful that we will soon see a new star.

(BVK Sports & Media)  Soumyadeep Roy is the coach of U Mumba