Hyderabad Stuns Chennai to Set Up IPBL Final Showdown Against Mumbai
Image Source: Internet
Hyderabad Royals pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Chennai Super Warriors 4-2 in Qualifier 1, securing their spot in the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) final. Mumbai Smashers, who had a remarkable run, booked their place in the summit clash by defeating Lucknow Leopards 4-2 in the Eliminator and then Chennai in Qualifier 2. The IPBL final will take place at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall on Sunday. In the Eliminator, Mumbai Smashers edged out Capital Warriors Gurgaon 25-24 and then beat Bengaluru Blasters 25-22 to secure fourth place and a spot in the playoffs. Bengaluru Blasters finished fifth after defeating Gurgaon 25-21 in the placement rally. In Qualifier 1, Chennai Super Warriors took an early lead against Hyderabad Royals, winning the men's singles and men's doubles. However, Hyderabad bounced back, led by Megan Fudge's stunning 15-13 win over Roos van Reek in the women's singles. Fudge and Shreya Chakraborty then won the women's doubles 15-13, levelling the tie. Hyderabad then took the lead in the Grand Rally, prevailing 21-17 to book their place in the final. In the Eliminator, Mumbai Smashers started strong, with Quang Duong beating Ryler DeHeart 15-8 and then partnering Ammol Ramchandani to a tense 15-14 men's doubles win. Lucknow Leopards fought back, but Mumbai held firm in the Grand Rally, winning 21-18. Mumbai then faced Chennai in Qualifier 2, where they sealed their spot in the final with a 4-2 win. Duong and Ramchandani were named Players of the Tie in the Eliminator, while Fudge and Newell took home the award in Qualifier 1. Duong and Pearl were named Players of the Tie in Qualifier 2, as Mumbai secured their spot in the IPBL final.
