PBL: Hyderabad Hunters oust Chennai Smashers in opener; Carolina Marin defeats PV Sindhu

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Hunters opened their Premier Badminton League (PBL) campaign with a 4-3 win over Chennai Smashers here on Sunday.

Reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin of Spain overcame Rio Games runner-up P.V. Sindhu 11-8, 12-14, 11-2 in the highly-anticipated clash to give Hyderabad a 1-0 crucial lead.

Delighted with her win, Marin said: "It was a wonderful match and the way the crowd was behind, it was wonderful. Their support meant and lot and helped me to perform a lot better."

But Tommy Sugiarto pulled Chennai level with an 11-6, 11-8 win over B. Sai Praneeth.

British Adcock couple, Chris and Gabrielle won Chennai`s `Trump Match` over R. Satwiksairaj and Hoi Wah Chau 11-7, 11-9 to give the visitors the 3-1 advantage.

Trailing 1-3, the hosts needed to pull off their socks and they managed to make a sensational comeback as Rajiv Ouseph beat Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk 6-11, 11-8, 11-6 to make it 2-3.

Hyderabad`s tactic of making the men`s doubles match as their `Trump Match` paid off as Malaysian experienced customers Tan Boon Heong and Tan Wee Kiong moved past Mads Pieter Kolding and B. Sumeeth Reddy 11-7, 11-8 to ensure a 4-3 victory for Hyderabad.