PBL 2017: Hyderabad Hunters narrowly edge out Bengaluru Blasters

Hyderabad Hunters overcame a stiff challenge from Bengaluru Blasters to win the match 4-3 in the Premier Badminton League on Saturday.

Ashwini Ponappa proved to be the surprise package of the day, playing her trade in her less favoured singles event. Not many would have expected her to stand any chance against the current Olympic champion, Carolina Marin; but she proved everyone wrong and how.

Ponappa won the first game 11-9, playing attacking badminton, but ultimately succumbed to the skill and experience of Marin, losing the match 9-11, 11-5,11-8.

Marin wasn’t able to replicate her singles form in the mixed doubles match(which took place earlier), as she and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy were no match for Ko Sung Hyun and Sikki Reddy.

Benagluru’s Axelsen helped his side gain the advantage in the tie by winning his trump match against Hyderabad’s Sai Praneeth in two straight games, 11-6,11-5.

Men’s doubles pair Tan Boon and Tan Wee brought Hyderabad into reckoning by winning the crucial game 11-5, 11-8.

In the first game of the match, Sameer Verma showed us all what a talent he is. He completely outplayed Boonsak Ponsana, winning the tie in two straight games, and giving Hyderabad a much-needed advantage right at the outset. He won his match 11-8, 11-7.

With this win Hyderabad move to third spot in the table and would be looking to consolidate their position at the top of the table.