Hyderabad :Star shuttler P V Sindhu clinched an exciting Trump match as Chennai Smashers scored a 4-3 win over Hyderabad Hunters in a Premier Badminton League (PBL) clash at the Gachibowli indoor stadium.
Local girl Sindhu beat her Hyderabad rival Supanida K, an experienced player from Thailand, 15-8, 14-15, 15-5 to seal the issue in favour of Chennai.
Twice World Championships bronze medallist Sindhu had a comfortable 15-8 win in the first game, but her Hyderabad rival came back strongly to take the second game 15-14.
Sindhu, however, came back strong and defeated her rival 15-5 in the deciding game to clinch the match in her favour.
Expressing happiness over her win, Sindhu said: “A great match which proved to be a very tough fight. Supanida was good in many areas and played extremely well against me. In the first game, I executed very well and continued to put the pressure on her by winning the game.
“The second game was very tough as she bounced back very strongly. Our intense battle for each point continued in the third game. I re-worked on my game-plan and played added aggression to counter Supanida, which yielded a good win for me.”
The day began with the mixed doubles match between Carsten Mogensen-Jwala Gutta of Hyderabad and Chennai Smashers’ Chris Adcock-Pia Zebadiah. The Chennai pair had a comfortable 15-7, 15-7 victory over their Hyderabad rivals.
Though the spectators lustily cheered local girl and India’s seasoned doubles specialist Jwala Gutta, the Chennai players dominated the proceedings throughout without letting their opponents take any advantage.
Hyderabad secured one point with veteran men’s singles player from Malaysia Lee Chong Wei defeating Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Chennai 15-3 12-15 15-8 win over.
PTI