Mumbai Rockets beat Awadhe Warriors to take the Finale Star Sports PBL 2016

Beat the Warriors 3-0 Mumbai Rockets beat Awadhe Warriors to take the Finale berth at the Star Sports Premier Badminton League 2016

Hyderabad, January 15, 2016: While Delhi is one of the finalists of the Star Sports Premier Badminton League, it was the Awadhe Warriors who met Mumbai Rockets at Hyderabad today to book their berth to the Finale scheduled for 17th January 2016 in New Delhi.

While Awadhe were the clear favourites and the Mumbai Rockets the underdogs, it was the latter that came out victorious in 4 matches. While they lost their first match, they clearly dominated the next three matches with the last one being the Trump match of the Warriors where Han Li beat Saina Nehwal to take the match as well as the Tie for the day. With the win it is the Mumbai Rockets who proceed to New Delhi to play the finals against Delhi Acers.

The Mixed Doubles between the Warriors, Bodin Issara and Christinna against the Rockets Vladimir Ivanov and Kamilla Juhl was a nail biter, giving a perfect opening to the second semi-finals of the Star Sports Premier Badminton League. It was the Awadhe pair who took the early lead in the first game and it seemed that very soon they will achieve the 15 points to nail the game. But the Rockets came back on time to stop the Warriors easy sail and soon took control. They got into a seamless rhythm between each other and which helped them win the first game leaving Awadhe Warriors shocked. The second game was a see-saw as it kept changing hands and everyone were holding their breath as to who finally will take the game. Much to the relief of the Warriors this time they won the game and levelled the match. With the third game being the decider it kept everyone on the edge of their seats. While the Warriors initially dominated creating at least a 5 point gap but the Rockets yet again bounced back strongly and suddenly the game and the match was at the Decider point. Vladimir Ivaniov looking at smashing it hard unfortunately could not control the speed of the shuttle as it found itself going outside the court. This gave Awadhe Warriors the first win and 1 point.

The first Men’s Singles witnessed S Tanongsak taking on Mumbai’s HS Prannoy. It was an important match for the Rockets as they had to win this match and level the Tie. While Tanangsok took the first game, the second game was convincingly won by HS Prannoy taking the match to the third game. The last game saw HS Prannoy continuing his dominance as he won the game and the match with conviction giving his team a huge relief. This levelled the Tie at 1-1 and from here each win and loss would count for the teams.

The Men’s Doubles match was another electrifying game of badminton as Mathias Boe along with Vladimir Ivanov took on the Warriors Bodin Issara and Cai Yun. Again a crucial match as the win or loss from here would further decide the fate of the teams. It was the Rockets pair which took advantage of the proceedings as they won the first game. The second game saw the Warriors duo giving a tough might and midway in the game they were leading over their opponents. They maintained their upper edge as they went on to win the second game. The third game was a huge turn around for Awadhe Warriors as all throughout the third game Bodin Issara and Cai Yun were in complete control but somehow they lost hold in the dying moments and which went on to cost them the match. Leading the game 2-1, Mumbai Rockets from here aimed at winning the next game and which was the Trump match of Awadhe Warriors..

This was the trump of Saina Nehwal as she took on Han Li. Much to the disappointment of Awadhe Warriors Saina Nehwal lost the match and this declared Mumbai Rockets the second finalist of the Star Sports Premier Badminton League and now they will be taking on Delhi Acers on 17th January 2016. Mumbai Rocket won the Tie today 3-0.

Commenting on the second semi-final clash, Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta, President BAI and Chairman PBL said “I congratulate Mumbai Rockets for this thumping victory. They were good from match no. 1, though they lost it but they clearly dominated the entire proceedings today. Also the Awadhe played brilliantly just that it was not their day today. ”

After winning the first match, Bodin Issara and Christinna Pedersen said “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 and which will  be a huge boost going forward”.

After winning the match, H.S. Prannoy stated “A good win for my team after losing the first match. I had an unfortunate start and lost the first game. However, with my team's support and motivation, I came back strongly with better strategies. Tanongsak is very good player and challenged me many times in the match today and which i enjoyed. I just played my attacking game and reduced my errors. Happy to level the scores for my team”.

After winning the Men's Doubles match, Mathias Boe and Vladimir Ivanov commented “At one point in the third game it looked that they will run away with the match but between us we knew we can bounce back and fortunately it happened. From here we need to win our Trump as that will pave the way to the Finals”.

Speaking on her win over Saina, Han Li said “I can’t believe it that I beat her. She has been unwell and it clearly showed. She played really well but I knew that my win will take us to the finals straightaway. Now the aim is to win the title from here.”.

The match tally was as follows:

Mumbai Rockets bt Awadhe Warriors 3-0 (points)

Fastest Smash of the Day (Male) – Tanongsak S and Bodin Issara (AW) 407 KMPH
Fastest Smash of the Day (Female) – Saina Nehwal (AW) 311 KMPH
Longest Rally of the Day – Mathias Boe and Vladimir Ivanov (MR) 35 shots
Most Valuable Player – Han Li (MR)

Final clash

17 Jan 2016: Delhi Acers vs Mumbai Rockets (New Delhi)