IN A FULL PACKED STADIUM, Hyderabad Hunters defeated Chennai Smashers 4-3 in a close encounter. Thanks to Rajiv Ouspeh and the men's doubles pair of Tan Boon Heong/Tan Wee as they helped the Hunters smash their opponents.
The first match of the tie was as expected women's singles between Carolina Marin and PV Sindhu and it was a cracker of a match. The new 11 point game system kept everyone on the edge of their seats till the last minute.
Marin was the dominant shuttler on court as she was trying to avenge her Dubai Superseries Finals defeat. While Sindhu looking to continue her 2016 momentum.
It was the much awaited match of PBL and the home team supporting and roaring for Marin as she dominated the first game, winning 11-8.
The second game began and it showed the best from Sindhu as she knew that was her only chance of getting back and that is exactly what she did. Winning the second game 14-12 pushing the match into a decider. This gave the Smashers some hopes but Marin was determined to win this for her team and the fans.
As the final game began, the Olympic gold medallist was in a hurry to finish things. As she had 6 straight points in her favour, giving no chance for the Indian to get back in the game. With that strong lead, she took the game and the match in her favour allowing her team to take the lead.
Delighted with her win, Marin said,
“It was a wonderful match and the way the crowd was behind, it was wonderful. Their support meant and lot and helped me to perform a lot better.â€
Next up was the men's singles contest between Sai Praneeth and Tommy Sugiarto. And the Indonesian showing off his experience won the match in straight games. Praneeth did put up some fight but it wasn't enough. Tommy continuing his unbeaten streak in PBL and getting his team Chennai in the tie. Scores after this match was levelled at 1-1.
It was followed by mixed doubles which was a trump match for the Smashers and representing them were Chris/Gabrielle Adcock. They were up against Chou Hoi/Satwiksairaj. The 16-year-old Satwik showed great grit and power. He was playing with full confidence, complimenting his partner and not allowing the Adcock couple to take points easily.
But being the experienced pair, Chris/Gabby won the match 11-7, 11-9 giving their team two points. The Smashers now had a two point lead 3-1.
All eyes were on Rajiv Osueph as Hunters were hoping for him to win so that they could get back in the tie. The Englishman did not disappoint, he did exactly what was expected from him. Up against Tanongsak who proved to be lethal and put Rajiv in a bit of spot but a great comeback from the latter put his team in a formidable spot. After being one game down, Rajiv won the following two games 6-11, 11-8, 11-6.
Rajiv's win changed the tables and once again the Hunters were back in the race and were favourites to win. The final match was between men's doubles and it was a trump match for the Hunters. A win would seal the deal for them.
Tan Boon Heong/Tan Wee Kiong assured their team got those two points winning it in straight games 11-7 11-8 beating Mads Pieler Kolding/Sumeeth Reddy.
The Hunters won their opening match beating Chennai Smashers 4-3. They next play Awadhe Warriors on Monday.