Welcome to Sportstar's coverage of the fifth season of Premier Badminton League! I'm
Lavanya and here are the highlights of tie #4 of the Chennai leg of the tournament.
Summary: North Eastern Warriors 3-4 Awadhe Warriors
What a day of badminton it has been! We've seen the 100% trump match win rate hold good, we've seen champions stay true to pedigree. We've seen young blood rise to the occasion and legends standing in to play anchor.
More importantly, we saw a tie that went right down to the last match, with thrilling performances from Cristinna Pedersen, Ko Sung Hyun and Subhankar Dey give them a hard-fought 4-3 win.
For NE Warriors, Bodin Isara and Kim Ha Na fell short right at the start, but Bodin seemed to have a whale of a time on the bench cheering his mates on. But the star of the night for the side has to be 19-year-old Krishna Prasad Garaga who almost took his team through in the men's double game.
You can go through the proceedings of tie 4 as it happened below or click here for the shorter report by Dominic Richard.
Thank you for joining me today. Join us tomorrow for the last tie of the Chennai leg tomorrow where Chennai Superstarz will take on Bengaluru Raptops to wind up the leg in the city. Until then, it's goodbye and goodnight from us!
Results in brief:
MATCH ONE : Ko Sung Hyun and Christinna Pedersen beat Bodin Isara and Kim Ha Na 8-15, 15-11, 15-14
MATCH TWO :
Lee Cheuk Yiu beats Vincent Wong Wing Ki 13-15, 15-10, 15-11
MATCH THREE :
Michelle Li beats Beiwan Zhang 15-13, 15-14
MATCH FOUR : Ko Sung Hyun and Shin Baek Cheol beat Krishna Prasad Garaga and Lee Yong Dae 8-15, 15-14, 15-12
MATCH FIVE : Subhankar Dey beats
Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk 15-9, 15-13
Game 2: Subhankar Dey takes the game 15-13.
13-15
Subhankar smashes one to Tanongsak who manages a return going straight into the net. The Awadhe Warrior puts a finger to his lips, silencing his naysayers. What a game. Pedersen is fist pumping at the camera now. What a day for the Awadhe Warriors.
13-14 MATCHPOINT NOW. Smash and style from Subhankar.
We're two points away from a win for Awadhe or a decider game. What do you reckon it'll be?
13-13
Tanongsak returns the favour with a perfect smash to the corner. There's no way he'd get there, Subhankar. Scores level. Here's the anxiety we don't deserve.
12-13
Beaten! Beaten blue, Tanongsak. A 314KMPH smash goes straight through Tanongsak
12-12
Tanongsak equalises but the cheers going around are - Subhankar, Subhankar.
11-12
The Awadhe Warriors bench is shouting out out out, led by Pedersen no less. The replay finds the smash out. And Subhankar is rewarded for the same.
11-11 YESSS Subhankar,
says Pederson and why won't she? This is heroic from Subhankar. A reaction time of 0.36 seconds for the man to get back on his feet and get it up a little wide but well within bounds.
11-10
Subhankar rushes this point a bit and he finds himself a little long at the back. Pedersen unhappy.
10-10
Good rally that, finding Subhankar down on the ground more times than he would have liked. Intense rally that and Tanongsak prevails smashing right at Tanongsak's feet.
9-10
Oh Subhankar took his time but ended that one with a powerful smash on the side. A baby ominously cries in the background. Tanongsak must be so triggered. I would not want to be him right now
9-9
Half smash from Subhankar. Points levelled.
9-8
Unfortunate here. Subhankar and Tanongsak finds themselves sparring by the net and it looks like he taps the shuttle in when its still on Tanongsak's side of the net. Point given to the NE Warriors
8-8
Error from Tanongsak Subhankar goes with the patience strategy and Tanongsak responds with a gentle nudge at the net.
8-8 Service error Tanongsak
8-6
Tanongsak leads this game at the break, with a smash to finish off picking the point off Subhankar.
7-6
Service error from Subhankar.
6-6
Tanongsak should not be celebrating as he tries to go back to the pace strategy again and ends up catching the net.
6-5
Subhankar gets the shuttle just out of the line. He is penalised with Tanongsak getting the point. Anybody's game here still.
5-5
We have the equaliser, folks. First game Subhankar is back. Pedersen is the picture of focus now. Someone get her some water.
5-4
Oh again. Forcing Tanongsak to the net.
5-3
This is what he needs to do, Subhankar. He needs to keep Tanongsak engaged. Tanongsak cannot persist. He wants a quick game. Subhankar is going back to his old game and that's helping.
5-2
Subhankar manages a half smash across the court to steal a point
5-1
Subhankar gets it too wide at the back there and it seems like he is squandering a perfect first game. I am getting worried about when we'll get a look at how Pedersen is doing by the bench. Poor thing.
4-1
There you go. The pace is back. Tanongsak stares him down to finish it off. Subhankar on the backfoot here.
3-1
First point for Subhankar here and he'll be glad to get that out of the way with a smash no less.
3-0
26 shot-rally here now and Tanongsak is making him run all around the court. He made Subhankar lose balance first and then changed direction of the shuttle entirely to ensure he had no chance. Frustrating for Subhankar now.
2-0
Second shot from Subhankar now to find the net. Tanongsak's strategy is working. Also notice how the NE Warrior is keeping his game close to the net here. The pace is off. Battling a chess-like approach with a chess-like approach.
1-0
Rally to start the second game. 46 shots. Change of strategy here from Tanongsak as he goes back deeper to defend letting Subhankar do the smashing. Pays off, as Subhankar finds the net eventually.
Game 1: Subhankar takes the first game 15-9
The fastest smash in this game from Subhankar's racquet was 377 kmph in speed, with 69% of those coming down the back court.
9-15
Done and dusted. Very good, very good says Pedersen. Proud mama moment for her after sitting there anxiously on the bench from the last game.
9-14
Lapse of concentration here from Subhankar? He has given Tanongsak a few points here that didn't need to be given. But Tanongsak manages to smash one to his Subhankar's feet and there's nothing he could do.
8-14
Tanongsak is persisting. From the bench, "chal chal chal (let's go) Subhankar. Get it over with" can be heard.
7-14
Smash from Tanongsak to try and stay in this tie. You need to give credit to Subhankar for that lovely recovery from the fall to still keep the rally going.
6-13
Not so soon. Subhankar takes control again forcing an error from Tanongsak near the net and the NE Warrior sighs heavily. Finding the net again.
6-11
Tanongsak manages to steal a point in the process. Pace comes handy.
5-11
Net again for Tanongsak. There's a very Rahul Dravid-ish vibe to how Subhankar is taking this game. He's very happy to spend the night here, returning and rallying. Tanongsak meanwhile will want to just wrap this up as soon as he can.
5-10
Brilliant from Subhankar here as he smashes into the back court now. He looks frustrated. Tanongsak is trying to rely on his pace, a strategy that NE Warriors all seem to want to fall back on, but it won't work here. He's more than happy to slow down the pace and test his opponent, Subhankar.
5-9
Problem is though, once the rally starts, Subhankar takes to the wheel and it almost feels like Tanongsak gladly slides over to the pillion seat. 46 shots in this rally and it ultimately finds Tanongsak hitting the net. Patience, NE Warriors.
5-8
Tanongsak capitalises on the low serve from Subhankar to beat him and get the first point coming off the break.
4-8
Pedersen looks like her blood pressure is in control after Subhankar goes into the break leading the tie by four points.
4-7
Oh nice. Subhankar misses this one that flies in from Tanongsak just above the net. Unlucky for Subhankar but Tanongsak will be a little relieved with the couple of points registered.
3-7
Better from him. Nicely smashed down by Tanongsak. He cannot let Subhankar decide the pace of this game if he wants to get anywhere in this tie.
2-7
This rally had 27 shots and you can see how the mometum changed in this one rally itself. Tanongsak suddenly loses pace and finds himself unable to get the shuttle out of his area
2-6
Brilliant smash. Subhankar was almost waiting to smash one close to the net. Tanongsak looks glum here and rightly so. Subhankar is two steps ahead of Tanongsak at every step.
2-5
Tanongsak goes wide here.
2-4
Subhankar gets one more. It's a steady smash from him but Tanongsak barely gets to it sending it under the net in response.
2-3 Smash down the backend from Subhankar. Nicely done. He's got a strapped knee. Not sure what that is all about.
And there's a crying baby in the stadium. A little too early for a badminton induction program, right parents?
2-2
Tanongsak smashes one right near Subhankar's feet. Beaten.
1-2
Subhankar gets another one after sending an aerial shot to him. Tanongsak looks up and looks like he's blinded by the lights because that one is mistimed right into the net.
1-1
Subhankar pegs back, elevation from that shot going beyond Tanongsak's reach.
1-0
Tanongsak takes the first game with a smash to the extremes that a diving Subhankar cannot reach.
Match five and the final one for the night:
Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk vs Subhankar Dey [men's singles]
Game 3: Awadhe wins the game 15-12. Ko Sung Hyun gets his second win of the night. Job well done, champ.
12-15 Awadhe prevails!
After putting themselves into the tie again, with a smart deceiving shot towards NE Warriors, Prasad fires one into the net to hand Awadhe a thrilling win. This also means that the trump tie trend continues. No team has lost their trump match yet.
12-13
Oh what a rally. Burst of pace and then some composure but Hyun and Cheol find themselves wide off the net here.
Prasad is talking to himself. Giving himself a pep talk. He has been the star tonight.
11-13
But now Cheol and Hyun find the net and it's just a two-point deficit. Knowing Prasad, it's anyone's game.
10-13
NE hits the net again. Dae is distraught.
10-12
Dae now. Cheol kept it alive but that shot from Dae almost went through him. This is the problem. Here's where Awadhe can't keep it together. Will they lose the lead again in the death?
9-12
Prasad saw that opening and manages an almost nutmeg-looking smash.
8-12
Dae hits the net. Awadhe is all smiles.
Hyun gives Cheol a pat on the bottom. They are finding something here that's helping them here.
8-11
Prasad smashes into the net. Pedersen is pleased.
8-10
Serve error again from Dae. It's getting costly now, these errors.
8-9
Another rally. Smash speed 316 kmph. He is too quick for Hyun and Cheol, there was no way either could make it to catch the shuttle. The shuttle looks very very worn out at this point.
6-9
Awadhe wins 17-shot rally after Dae comes in with an unforced error. Prasad is consoling him there. What a great sight!
6-8
Dae is annoyed at how he squandered those two points, giving Awadhe the lead as it heads into the break in the deciding game of this match.
6-6 32 shots
in this rally now but this one goes to Awadhe as they find Dae beaten on the left.
6-5
NE Warriors are pheomenal.
56 shots in this rally. Sheer pace from Dae and Prasad with Cheol and Hyun trying patiently to break the pace. Hyun especially, taking him time and angling the shuttle to break the speed. What an absolutely delightly rally to watch. But you can only beat smashes for so long
5-5
Dae's serve was imperfect there and Cheol capitalises to smash long and secure the equaliser.
5-4
Dae is smiling as Hyun smashes one into the net. That was a shoddy service from Prasad. Hyun will be hitting himself.
4-4
Service error. Awadhe equalises.
4-3 Dae went aerial to send one flying into the other end. Prasad smashed the return right to Cheol's feet.
3-3
Prasad is ridiculously good. Such pace. He had beaten Awadhe right in the middle of that rally with his pace and eventually, Hyun could not keep up.
2-3
Service error from NE Warriors
Change of racquet for Dae. Prasad is getting himself some grip powder.
2-2
Both sides are making small errors here.
1-1
Beaten. Prasad smashes and Hyun can't get to it. Level.
0-1
What a rally! OH MY WORD. I wish you could see this. 45 shots! Such quality. So much pace and this will actually calm your nerves than rile it up more. Lovely point to take for Awadhe as it forces NE Warriors to find the net.
No team has lost a trump match this season. Can Awadhe maintain that trend?
Game 2: Awadhe tales the second game NE Warriors 15-14
15-14
Hyun manages to strike one down to keep this tie alive for one more game.
14-14
Now. They're attacking Hyun. Pedersen is upset. Decider point now.
13-14
It was a gamepoint but Prasad was having none of it. Prasad furiously sends Hyun down trying to connect to a smash coming his way.
12-14
Nerve-wracking 19-shot rally that finally sees NE grazing the net.
12-13
Flurry of smashes there from Prasad and Dae. 26-shot rally and the fury of the duo forces an error from Awadhe who finds themselves hitting the net.
11-13
Dae talking very calmly to Prasad there as he goes towards a shot too eagerly making a mess of it. Point to Awadhe meanwhile.
11-12
Awadhe manages to beat the duo towards the far court but in the next service, Lee Yong Dae puts one far out and its adjudged out. Dae reviews and the replays show it is in. Point saved.
10-11
Dae manages to get a point back in favour for NE forcing out an error here.
9-11
Lovely backhand smash there from Cheol to the far right.
9-10
Prasad dives in front of the net to collect but that's just impossible, even for him. He connects but the shuttle can do nothing from that angle. Seeing Cheol tighten up in caution was slightly hilarious.
9-9
Service error from the Awadhe Warriors
8-9
Nice smash there to get the lead again. Hyun is happy.
8-8
Oh Oh. Shuttle is trapped in Hyun's racket.
7-8
Nicely done from Hyun. Smashes it down between Prasad and Dae to take the lead at the break.
7-7
Service error. Lead given up.
6-7
Nicely done by Cheol. Drop shot near Prasad with Dae on the other extreme. Beaten.
6-6
Is that too wide from Hyun? It's being reviewed and it's just out. Awadhe's challenge is unsuccessful and NE gets the point.
5-6
Too wide from Dae and he's berating himself.
5-5
The favour has been returned as Prasad manages to stump Awadhe near the net.
4-5
Oh lucky Hyun. Shuttle flips over the net but Prasad, who usually gets to them all, misses.
4-4
This time its Krishna. Drop shot right by the net, beats Hyun. Brilliant there from the pup.
3-4
Not so fast. Dae hands it back, Signature smash.
2-4
Beaten Dae there and Awadhe is pumped.
2-3
Service fault from Dae gives Awadhe a momentary lead there. Before this, Dae went up to the umpire to figure out a confusion with the points.
2-1
Too long at the back there from Awadhe.
1-1
Better from Awadhe. Cheol and Hyun have better communication here. Pedersen applauds the smash that beats both Prasad and Dae.
1-0
Drop shot close to the net gives NE an immediate lead in the second game. This game could be over soon.
Game 1: NE Warriors take the first game 15-8.
15-8
The shuttle has grazed the net, and Awadhe is disappointed. The duo has let this game slip right through their hands to a spirited Krishna Prasad and Lee Yong Dae.
14-8
Not so fast, angle all wrong with Lee Yong Dae
14-7
Error from Hyun gets NE to game point here.
13-7
Ah pegged back here by Awadhe. Smash down. You win some, you lose some
13-6
The NE dugout is enjoying this. Prasad dives to his right to manage to flick one right off the line. Dae barely fetches the return to keep the rally going and an error from Awadhe a few shots later gives them a point. The bench is ecstatic. Bodin is having a great time.
Very heartening to see Krishna Prasad hogging the limelight here when he has someone like Lee Yong Dae by his side. Well done, young lad.
12-6
Bodin is ecstatic. Awadhe misses the long shot. Point to NE.
11-6
Well left by Prasad and Dae as that shot goes a little too long.
10-5
Prasad finds the net. Point given to Awadhe.
10-4
Prasad-Dae are running away with this one. Smash. Strong one at that
9-4
Cheol's half smash grazes the floor right near Dae and that's that. Point conceded.
9-3
Too easy for Prasad and Dae. Frustrating for Awadhe as they find the net again.
Can Awadhe pull back? This is its trump game. -1 if the side loses.
8-3
Lee Yong Dae is happy to step back and watch Krishna Prasad do his thing. Tap on the shoulder from the legend to this young 19 year old and the NE Warriors lead 8-3.
7-3
Awadhe has pegged back with a few smart smashes but Krishna Prasad's angling it very close to the net to force the Awadhe side to misplace their shots into the net.
4-1
Phenomenal from Krishna Prasad here. Lovely drop shot. Slowed down the pace there to force an error in placement from the Awadhe side. Big rally this too.
3-1
Good going for the young Indian and his partner so far as they lead by a point. Good service here.
1-1
First few points have been evenly distributed here.
Chance of his life here, Krishna Prasad Garaga (19). He is surrounded by legends here on this court. His partner Lee Yong Dae used to play with Shin Baek Cheol.
M atch four:
Krishna Prasad Garaga, Lee Yong Dae vs Ko Sung Hyun, Shin Baek Cheol
[Trump]
Game 2: Li beats Zhang 15-14, and wins the match 15-13, 15-14.
15-14 Done in style
as a cross court smash hit down to the far court seals the match. Bodin Isara is ecstatic as he should be. What a tight game!
Decider point
and Michelle Li will have to now do it the hard way.
14-14 Has that gone long?
Zhang has been given a point. Li is challenging it. Replays show that it is just in.
Match/Game point
14-13
Zhang is battling the net more than she's battling Li.
13-13
Level now as Zhang manages a cross court drop shot to get Li off guard.
13-12
Zhang is back as Li finds a cross court shot going too wide by the net
13-11
Lovely rally there. 30 shots in this rally and Zhang's smash to the far court beats Michelle who is standing in closer to the net.
13-10 Michelle Li is enjoying using the net to her advantage. Another gentle drop shot gives her a point
12-10
Michelle Li's drop shots are beautiful. The deception is lovely. Zhang can't do anything close to the net.
11-10
Two shots, lovely cross court smashes. Beating Li each time. Good focus there. She's very much in this game.
11-8
Once more. A backhanded flick goes to Michelle who gently thumps the shuttle back to her. Zhang is not positioned well to get that over the net.
10-8
Great work by the net by Michelle Li. Nice cross court flick at the net. Very wristy but very quick.
9-8
And another one and this has more confidence in it. She's focusing on placement and that's working for her.
9-7
Zhang smashed. Li collects but sends it back to the net. Zhang is pleased.
9-6
Lovely work from Li. She has a balanced centred posture here from where she's angling it across the opposition area. Beats Zhang as a return finds the net.
Michelle Li's heatmap is interesting. Completely concentrated in the centre. She has not been moved too much. She is not being tested around at all. The height's a great advantage that's working for her too.
8-6
Michelle Li takes the first half of the game with a half smash that Zhang cannot connect. Zhang seems to have lost focus a little bit. That pep talk is going to be crucial to save this game and consequently the match.
7-6 Complacency again. Smashed away from Zhang in both of the previous points to slowly get a two-point lead.
5-5 What a smash from Zhang. Slow recovery time from Li is costing her as Zhang managed to finish the point before Li even realised.
5-4
Li pegs back, beats Zhang along the line.
4-4
Zhang is making Li stretch in every direction. Li can't get to it to make the return.
4-3
Cross court shot from Zhang catches Li by surprise. Nicely done bu Zhang here
4-2
Misses the smash along the line now, Zhang. She's visibly getting impatient.
3-2
Zhang is messing her placement. Too long at the back. She needs to angle it in.
2-2 Backhand weaknesses here for both girls and both are trying to attack that very weakness. Scores tied as a result.
Zhang held an early lead in the last game too but conceded towards the end. Sign of things to come?
0-2
Acrobatics from Li and it amuses her. She misses the shot and gets it off the court twice. Advantage Zhang early on.
Game 1: Lee beats Zhang 15-13
15-13
Half smash from Li but that's enough to bring Zhang to the ground and give her a win in the first game of this match.
14-13
Too good from Li. Zhang served high there and it gives Li enough height to smash it right down to the left of Zhang who has to stretch to make a decent connection. Squandered.
13-13
Lovely to watch from Zhang. Sliced from the back to land the shuttle right in front of Li. Anyone's game here now.
13-12
Zhang pegs back and smashes straight into Li to get one back. One point deficit.
13-11 Michelle Li has been great by the net in this game. Very clean in her attack here. Zhang is frustrated. She's dropped points from a place of advantage.
12-11 Oh unlucky there for Zhang. Not able to control the shuttle and she finds the shuttle grazing the net. Grimaces all around one side of the court.
11-11
Li is making Zhang run all around and the advantage of that is, in trying to connect, Zhang has no time to figure out her placement. She gets it off too wide. Points level.
10-11 Li returns the favour with a smash down the left. Perfect technique. Zhang almost did a plit there. I always find those hard to watch
9-11
Zhang keeps the rally close to the net and smashes with so much pace right to Li's back.
9-10
Near perfect from Zhang but she grazes the net and the good work is undone.
8-10
Cross court shot brings dividends to Zhang. Two quick points for her
8-8
Li equalises immediately, with a swift smash to the side.
This duo last faced each other at the Hong Kong Open in 2019, where Zhang beat Michelle 21-18, 21-18. Zhang also has the advantage of the head-to-head.
7-8
Zhang has the last laugh here at the halfway mark, managing to beat Michelle to her side.
7-7
Complacency there from Zhang. Casual tapped backhand shot to Michelle who makes no mistake to smash it away from Zhang
6-7
Wide on the right. We have a challenge now. Awadhe Warriors review. Zhang is out, she reviews. She is out, so her review is unsuccessful. Michelle keeps the point.
5-7
Zhang has pegged back her game, after Michelle figured her way back to level points with a lovely smash across the court.
4-5
Zhang misjudges distance and is putting away her shots too wide.
4-4
Zhang came back beating Li with a delivery but puts it away too long in the next one to get scores level again.
3-3
Deficit cancelled. Zhang is not pleased.
2-3
Li is finding her feet, making Zhang move around more than she'd like
1-3
Missed. Zhang misses and she's got an uneasy smile on her face. Rookie error here.
0-3 Awadhe is trailing this tie but if Zhang continues to play this way, this is going to be a runaway game.
0-1 Great start from Zhang. Smashed down and Li cannot reach to her side to get that
Beiwen Zhang, India Open champion, ranked 14th
Michelle Li, 2014 Commonwealth Champion ranked 8th.
M atch three:
Michelle Li vs Beiwen Zhang
Lee Cheuk Yiu beats
Vincent Wong Wing Ki 15-11 to take the game and the match.
15-11 A big smash finishes the game for Lee Cheuk Yiu.
He remains unbeaten in PBL Season 5. Vincent is disappointed. This was a hard fought win. 2-1 lead now to NE Warriors. The Trump match has paid off.
14-11
Little too long from Vincent and its matchpoint for Lee
13-11
Good play by the net from Vincent. Gently flicked across the net. Lee's return never manages to cross
13-10
Lee is moving Vincent to all parts of the court. Gets some help from the tape as a drop shot from Lee has Vincent timing his return all wrong
12-10
This is far from done. Casual backhand shot from Lee but it finds the net and he realises how much that might go and cost him.
12-9
Relentless from Lee as he manages one more point.
11-9
Bodin Isara can't believe that didn't go over. Lee is disappointed. Vincent is pleased. Pedersen is giving her teammate a pep talk from the dugout. Beats Lee completely.
11-8
Lee has waited to bring his A game to the court. Smash. Point
10-8
Lee smashes one down to the bottom near the net. Vincent catches it but its too hard for him to manage a decent return.
9-8
Lee has Vincent beaten square here. Down the far court, downward.
Lee is scoring when he wants. One can see he has the ability to, but the will goes and comes here.
8-8
A smash to take the lead by Vincent and another one from Lee to override the lead.
One hopes the organisers will turn down the music a little. The sudden volume amp is hard on the ears.
7-7
Lee fires one into Vincent's body. He comes over to the net to apologise. These two are friends off the court. Must be thrilling to face each other off in a tournament like this.
6-7 Vincent is unplayable sometimes for Lee. Into the net
Looks like the draft from the air conditioning has brought down a shuttle here. Breather for the players. Unlikely intruder in the game here. Good fun. Scores tied 6-6.
3-4 Oh my. Looks like he was stuck on the return. He couldn't miss that all. Vincent has not viving Lee Cyi
2-4 now Nice smashes from Lee, but more importantly manages a fine save.
Game 2: Lee beats Vincent 15-10
14-10 T
he compatriots share a competitive spirit on the court. Lee just took a brilliant few wickets to put India on the winner's podium after winning.
14-9
Game point to Lee Chuiek Yui. Cheeky stuff from him.
11-6
21-shot rally there.
10-5
Alright. So the pace of this game has suddenly bolted up. 5-point lead for Lee,whose shots and smashes have been delightful to watch.
7-2
Two big smashes from Giant Killer Vincent. He isn't called giant killer for nothing.
6-2
BEATEN. Vincent is on the floor after an 18-shot rally. Lovely drop to seal that point for Lee. Lead now, four points.
5-2
Error from Lee. Grazes the net and he knows what he has done. Point to Vincent
5-1
Vincent catches the tape there after a 17-shot rally.
4-1
More smashes, right in the middle of the court. Lovely performance here, in the second game.
2-1
Vincent comes into the mix with a shot that allows him to get into the scoreboard
2-0
Too quick points to Lee. Powerful smashes there from the NE Warrior.
Vincent takes the first game. 15-13. Lee comes in with a strange first game. Very uncharacteristically quiet.
14-14
Decider point.
12-14
Why has Vincent left the aggression to the first half, by the way?
9-13
Suddenly, things lot a lot more serious than it is. Vincent wants to get it done as soon as possible. lovely drop there to take the point
8-12
Vincent returns a shot close to the net by sending it back into the thread. Three quick points for Lee here.
7-12
High from Vincent, sliced back by Lee and it lands within the line. He needs more of this quality here.
6-12
Huge smash from Vincent here. Lee is too casual for his own good. Got the return all wrong there. For the second point, Vincent returns to the near court and Lee makes no effort to get to it. Very, too laidback, to be honest.
6-8
Errors are creeping in from Lee Chuek Yui as Vincent runs away with the game at Lee's expense.
6-6
Apparently no, or maybe yes, but outside the court. He has pegged back with two quick points, getting the shuttle just inside the line to cancel out the lead.
4-6
Lovely drop from Vincent. Is Lee showing Vincent respect?
4-5
Vincent has been good in the back court so far but he doesn't move for this drop from Lee. Should he have dived?
3-5
One more to Vincent as Lee finds the net on return
3-4
Rally, 24 shots in there. Vincent keeps his calm and sends a half smash to Lee who gets it below the net.
3-3
Lee erases the deficit with another smash. Strong central smashing.
2-3
Smash from Vincent and the momentum is still with Vincent as Lee fights his way back.
1-2
Vincent takes back consent. Added pressure on Lee Cheukh Yiu as this is a trump game for the NEW. Two points if he wins it for them, -1 if he doesn't.
1-1 A point each to Lee and Vincent with big smashes right up front.
Match two and this is a Trump game. No pressure for the compatriots.
M atch two: Lee Cheuk Yiu vs Vincent Wong Wing Ki
[Trump]
Game 3 Decider NEW 14-15 Awadhe Warriors
15-14 Kim Ha Na has messed up that service
. Pedersen finally matches Hyun dramatic reaction. They know what this means. What a match and Awadhe takes an absolute nailbiter.
14-14 NO!
Into the net there. Three former world numbers ones here. and we have a decider point
Game point. Can she do it?
13-14
Pedersen is iron clad here. Backhanded cross shot to no man's land. Ecstatic she is.
13-13 Bodin misses his angle. The lead is cancelled and we are tied again. Down to the wire, this one.
13-12 Bodin Isara's service sets up a lovely point, taked Hyun by surprise forcing a weak return. Ha Na makes short work of the smash
12-12
Redemption for Bodin and Hyun goes too wide on the right.
11-12
Oh Bodin is right. The replay shows a bounce of the shuttle. Bad luck here for NEW as the challenge isn't taken. Bodin Isara walks away, unhappy. Visibly unhappy.
NorthEast sends one back and Hyun returns to find no one there. Bodin isn't happy and claims the shuttle hit the ground first before Hyun picked it up. He's approached the referee and is challenging. Let's wait and watch.
11-11
Service fault from NEW and Hyun celebrates, a tiny celebration there.
11-10
Pedersen is caught wide now and she is furious with herself.
10-10
One more. Too wide from NEW
10-9
I missed the previous point but it pales in comparison to this 29-shot rally. Pedersen is just brilliant to watch. Hyun is brilliant at the back and manages to get swift returns out, and one can see Bodin losing control. Pedersen presses Bodin and he mistimes a return right into the net.
10-7 Pedersen lifts one off her ankles and returns to Ha Na but finds the net.
9-7 Pedersen is focussing. Manages to peg one back for Awadhe
9-6 Image of this match for me. Bodin Isara returns on his knees. Who said you can't sit and play badminton? He dives to return, get back on his knees to return and then Ha Na smashes a Hyun effort to no man's land.
Fastest smash now is 340kmph
8-6
NEW back in the lead, courtesy smash from Bodin.
7-6
Persistent from Ha Na and her smash finds a shaky Hyun. 31-shot rally and Hyun has got the placement all wrong there. Angles it wide. Out.
6-6
This is a little comical. Bodin's smash cancels the lead and nearly knocks out Ha Na in the process. But the scores are level. He dived down first before getting back on his feet for the smash. What a rockstar
5-6
Service fault - Pedersen. She's not happy and I wouldn't be either, if I was called one of the most consistent servers in the game.
4-6
Service fault there from NEW
4-5
Mistimed a jump there, Hyun and the shuttle does not cross the net
3-5
Into the net by Ha Na.
3-4
Hyun lept losing balance to get to the return. Dives right to the net and manages to send it across the net and Ha Na returns but Pedersen has too much to do and makes a mess of the return, shooting it into the net.
2-4
Ha Na finds the net, groans from there, cheers from Pedersen-Hyun. Awadhe is communicating brilliantly and its showing in their pace here tonight.
2-3
Ha Na gets one across to the corner, Hyun leaves it, but it's well within bounds.
1-3
First point for NEW. Ha Na pegs one back with a strong smash.
0-3 Bodin Isara apologises to Pedersen after he smashed one down to her leg. That's quite nice of the man.
0-2 Hyun fires one to Bodin, a weak return is put away to Ha Na who gets the placement all wrong. It's out by a mile.
0-1 Hyun manages to angle a smash to Bodin whose return finds the net. Pace from Hyun and he's thrilled
Kim Ha Na and Ko Sung Hyun are partners. It's interesting to see them across the court for once.
Game 2: NEW 11-15 Awadhe Warriors
11-15
Ha Na had made a mess of that return. The net has been grazed and the point has been conceded. Awadhe takes this game
11-14
Bodin gets it too wide. Gets Awadhe to gamepoint.
11-13
Kim Ha Na smashed with a vengeance and manages to get in within 2 point
s
10-13
Oh error, Bodin. Too wide. Hyun is delighted
10-12
Bodin Isara manages to get one across just inside. Hyun not happy
9-12
Poor service there by Kim Ha Na. Point Awadhe
9-11
Too wide from Hyun on the side. Point NEW
8-11
Oh lovely from Pedersen and Hyun. Operating from the corners here, the duo. In Sync here to keep the opponents on their toes. Missed shot, points to Awadhe
8-10 H
a Na and Bodin sneaking back thanks to errors from Hyun. Awadhe needs to focus and recollect. The lead is now down to 2 points.
7-10
Now Hyun finds the net and there's a grimace. Man's not happy [slight twist to th Big Shaq reference]
6-10 Smash from Hyun. Wristy return from Bodin but Pedersen is there by the net to flick one gently over the net, finding no NEW to take it.
6-9 One more for Pedersen. Bodin returns to the net after Hyun steps on the gas with his pace.Pedersen is there encouraging her partner.
334 kmh - the fastest smash of the evening so far. I expect this to be beaten. Do you?
Awadhe goes into the small break with a confident lead. Much better from the duo in this game than the first. They've found some rhythm and are an absolute delight to watch.
6-8 Another long rally and Pedersen and Hyun manage to steal a point again with Ha Na flicking it just wide off the line by the net.
6-7
Momentum has moved to Awadhe. Spin from Pedersen who manages to find a place Bodin can't reach. Smashed to perfection.
6-6
What a smash from Pedersen. Smash one across the court from Hyun to Ha Na. Ha Na returns and finds Pedersen who smashes again close to Bodin and Bodin can do nothing
6-5
Pressure on Bodin as Hyun serves one deep. Bodin's return finds the net.
6-4
Pedersen beats Ha Na. Cross shot flies across to Ha Na who falls trying to collec
t
6-3
Haste from Hyun. Went in too close to the net too quickly and makes a mess of the return
5-3
Kim Ha Na keeps the pressure on, right by the net.
4-3 Pedersen makes amend from behind to get in a strong smash and a point too.
4-2
Pedersen lets that go too far back behind her and can't angle it well enough back to Ha Na. Point to NEW.
3-2
Watchful from Bodin Isara. Too wide from Hyun.
2-2
Oh no. Not a clean shot from Hyun and it shows in the finish. Messed it all up to give NEW a point
1-2
What a majestic finish from Ko Sung Hyun. He had to be patient and finish a 29-shot rally with a lovely smash that Bodin didn't see coming.
1-1
Too long from Bodin Isara. Point to Awadhe
1-0
Kim Ha Na sends a lovely cross shot bursting with speed and Hyun can't get to it
Can Kim Ha Na and Bodin Isara seal it in this game?
Game 1: NEW 15-8 Awadhe Warriors
15-8
OH but Ha Na is out there to set things right. The smash seals it for the NEW.
14-8
Saved. Lovely smash by Ko Sung Hyun can't match the pace.
GAMEPOINT
14-7
Game point. Another one missed by Hyun and Pedersen
13-7
The lead goes up to six points. Service error from Ko Sung Hyun
12-7
NEW pulls back. Bodin leaves a shot that's within bounds.
11-7
One more for Awadhe. Too wide from Ha Na ad the shuttle is off court first and just out of the line for the next two points conceded.
11-4
Ko Sung Hyun finally pegs one back for Awadhe and he fist bumps Pedersen there. They've made errors here today and are getting back into the game.
9-3
Into the net there by Ko Sung Hyun. Easy points for NEW here.
8-3
That was a quick game and my fingers are crying for help here trying to bring you the details as specifically as possible. Here's what you need to know. Bodin Isara has been great so far for NEW, with his pace and brute strength, especially in the smashes. Service errors and a few lapses of concentration from the duo has give Awadhe the three points earned so far. Let's see if the latter can manage a comeback.
7-3
Bodin and Na Ha prevail with pace and strength. The North Eastern folks are attacking Pedersen all out.
3-0
Oh no. Bodin falls trying to make contact. Ko Sung Hyun manages a lovely cross shot and Bodin falls trying to make contact there. But he's gotten the shuttle across and Ko Sung Hyun misses.
2-0
Good start from NorthEast. One more point for NorthEast
1-0
Bodin and Kim take the first point for NorthEast. The pace up front is incredible.
Match number 01:
Bodin Isara, Kim Ha Na vs Ko Sung Hyun, Christinna Pedersen
Pre-match
It's day 4 of the PBL and we have Awadhe Warriors taking to the court for the first time, against North Eastern Warriors.
Defending champion Bengaluru Raptors lost to North Eastern Warriors after Tanongsak Sansomboonsuk won the deciding match of the tie against Brice Leverdez. So NE comes in with a shot in the arm. Can Awadhe Warriors manage a win in its first tie, we will have to wait and watch.
Meanwhile here's what you've missed in PBL action yesterday. Tie 3 saw Chennai Superstarz take on Mumbai Raptops. A brilliant 4-3 win awaited the host but Shreyanshi Pardeshi and the Kims gave Mumbai plenty to smile about despite the loss. Highlights | Report
Where to watch
Ties of the Premier Badminton League can be watched on the Star Sports Network and streamed on hotstar
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