Punjab Royals notch up a victory
In another high octane encounter of the PWL, Punjab Royals crush Delhi Sultans 5-2 in New Delhi. Despite home team skipper and bronze medalist Sakshi Malik’s heroics, Punjab Royals prevailed. Here is a brief review of the match!
The Punjab unit raced to an early 3-0 lead but it was Sakshi and her fiance Satyawart who pulled things back for Delhi. They registered back to back wins before Ajerbaijan’s Togrul Zasgarov sealed the match for Punjab. Earlier, Punjab won the toss and blocked women’s 48 kg category while Delhi blocked the men’s 70 kg category.
Punjab race ahead in the first three bouts
The first three bouts of the day saw Rio Games champion Vladimir Khinchegashvili, Indian wrestler Jitender and Nigerian star Odunayo Folasade Adekuoroye pick up victories over their opponents. This fantastic start put Punjab in the driving seat.
Vladimir defeated Pankaj with a comfortable margin of 8-1. The second fight was keenly contested between two Indian wrestlers, Jitender and Praveen Rana. They fought tooth and nail and finally, Jitender pulled off an upset in the dying moments of the bout. He won 5-4. Next, Odunayo would dominate Sangeeta and demolished her 15-0.
Delhi’s spirited comeback
Delhi would then string a remarkable comeback. The pair of fiancees won their respective bouts to give Delhi a glimmer of hope. Satyawart won against his Indian opponent, Punjab’s Krishan Kumar in the 97 kg category. He won 14-4 at the end. Next, Sakshi would follow suit and defeated Manju Kumari of Punjab 10-0.
Punjab finally prevail 5-2
This however, could not shatter Punjab’s brilliant start. Ajerbaijan’s star wrestler Togrul Asgarov was next and he meant business. Facing Surjeet Singh, who was key player Bajrang Punia’s replacement, he showed his extraordinary skills on the mat. He amazingly defeated Surjeet in just 30 seconds 6-0 in the men’s 65 kg category.
Togrul’s victory handed Punjab the much needed victory in this key clash. This however did not stop them from going full throttle in their last bout. Vaslisa Marzaliuk defeated Alina Makhynia 2-1 capping off an impressive victory for the Punjab Royals.
