Semi-Final Report: Saina loses her Trump enabling Mumbai Rockets to sail into PBL finals

SAINA LOST HER TRUMP match and a spot for her team in the finals of the Premier Badminton League (PBL) as Awadhe Warriors went down 0-3 against Mumbai Rockets. The Mumbai team won on the basis of best of three as they sealed the tie with one match remaining to play.

Issara/Pedersen gave their team the first points by beating Ivanov/Juhl in a thrilling three setter 12-15, 15-13, 15-14. It was a nerve-wrecking match till the end as it could have gone either way. The Warriors pair showed great grit and their best performance to give their team the lead.

“It was a great match for us. Unfortunately we lost the first game which ideally we should have won. But it proved to be a Big match as it got everyone at the edge of their seats. We are happy that we finally won it and this gives us 1 point in the match which will  prove to be a huge boost going forward," said the winning pair.

HS Prannoy levelled the scores as he triumphed over Tanongsak in another three setter match 12-15, 15-7, 15-9. Prannoy got sweet revenge as he had been beaten by the Thai in the opening tie in Mumbai.

Ivanov/Boe made it 2-1 as they overcame the duo of Issara/Yun of Awadhe. This was the third match in a row that saw a three setter. Though the Rockets pair looked like they would end up as losers, the mighty Russian and his Dane partner pulled off a great show to take the result in their favour.

it was then the turn of Han Li to pull off a stunner as she defeated the world no. 2 Saina in three sets 15-8, 13-15, 15-7. It was the Trump match for the Warriors and as they lost it they also lost a chance of being in the final.

With this the Rockets sealed the tie and cruised into the finals to set up a clash with the Delhi Acers on Sunday in Delhi.