MATCH REPORT: Delhi Acers register their 1st win as Lee loses second match in a row
A HIGH-VOLTAGE PERFORMANCE in the match between Delhi Acers and Hyderabad Hunters at the DDA Squash & Badminton Stadium, Siri Fort in Delhi saw the Acers register their first win of the Premier Badminton League (PBL) beating Hyderabad 4-1.
Though the final scoreline suggests an easy win, the tie was decided only in the final game.
The tie started off with Supanida of Hyderabad putting in a top-class performance to give her team the lead by beating Thulasi of Delhi 12-15, 15-9, 15-13.
“ I was down in the first set and I realised mistakes from here will cost the match to my team. A win in the opening match is always a huge boost for the rest of the players. I am happy I won the game and from here I hope we gather more points and win the tie," said the 18-year-old.
Rajiv of Delhi won the men's singles match to level the scores. He beat Kashyap in straight sets 15-9, 15-10.
“ I am delighted with this win as we all know how good Kashyap is. Our team lost the first match and with one more loss it would have been really tough for us. I am happy this win allowed us to level the scores," said Ouseph after his win.
The mixed doubles contest followed, between Akshay/Gabrielle f Delhi and Gutta/Kido of Hyderabad. The latter won the match quite comfortably in straight sets 15-7, 15-8. They looked much stronger this time as compared to their first match against Bengaluru. The Hunters were now in the lead 2-1 going into their Trump match.
“This was an important match for both the teams as because after this match it is our individual Trump matches. Now we are one up on the points table and a win in our Trump will be victory for us for today’s tie," echoed the winning pair.
Lee Chong Wei from Hunters was up against Tommy in the men's singles match. The former world no. 1 won the first set with ease, but the second game saw Tommy fight back taking he match into the decider. Too everyone's surprise, Tommy continued his form in the third game to win the match, the first for him in 14 outings against Lee. This was Lee's second straight defeat in the league.
"It was an incredible game. I lost the first set and I think that proved to be a boon. This motivated me to up my game and go for the kill. I won on his Trump match, which means we have bounced back. I think we will take the tie from here if all goes in our favour," said Tommy.
Going into the final match, the Acers had taken the lead 2-1. The final match was the men's doubles contest which would decide the winner. The Acers pair did not have it easy and were stretched to three games but prevailed 15-7, 14-15, 15-13 against Nandagopal/Sai Raj of Hyderabad. By winning their Trump match Koo Kien/Heong of Delhi got those two crucial points to give their team the first win in the league.
