IBL: Sindhu stuns Baun as Awadhe Warriors inch closer to semis

The bronze medalist at World Championships, P V Sindhu of Awadhe Warriors stamped her class over experienced Tine Baun of Mumbai Masters in a three-game thriller in the inaugural Indian Badminton League (IBL) in Bangalore on Saturday.

Sindhu-spearheaded Awadhe Warriors inched a step closer to the semifinal spot after they defeated Mumbai Masters 3-2 in the inaugural Indian Badminton League in Bangalore.

Sindhu prevailed over Baun 21-12, 19-21, 11-8 in the women's singles match.

Sindhu did not forget to thank the supporters who turned out in huge numbers. She said, "I have played three or four matches against her but this is my first victory. I was feeling low after 17-14 n the second game but the crowd support helped me keep the energy going in."

Mumbai Masters head into their final encounter of the league stage knowing that a win will put them through into the semi-finals.

The tall Russian Vladimir Ivanov rode on his powerful smashes and better placements to tame Gurusaidutt 21-18, 20-21, 11-9 in the first men's singles match.

“It was a difficult match for me. I could not control the shuttle because the speed was very fast. Playing from ear the net really helped me win the game,” he said.

The match three was bagged by the men’s doubles specialist Markis Kido and Mathias Boe of Awadhe Warriors.

The duo beat visitors B. Sumeet Reddy  and Manu Attri 21-16, 21-14.

Speaking after winning the match, Mathias Boe said, "Kido and I had a very good start. The challenge I found today was the shuttle speed but together we overcame it."

The World No 1 did not disappoint. Lee Chong Wei brought back the Mumbai Masters into the match with a well fought victory over K. Srikanth (AW) 21-15, 20-21, 11-5.

The host team’s player went down before giving a fight.