The bottom-placed Banga Beats came from behind to post a 3—2 face-saving victory over Hyderabad Hotshots, who set-up a clash against Pune Pistons in the semifinals of the Indian Badminton League (IBL) here.

Having won three out of five ties and losing just two, Hyderabad finished the league stage at the top of the table with 17 points in their kitty.

While Saina Nehwal-inspired Hyderabad Hotshots take an early 2—0 lead last night and reach the top of the points table, the Banga Beats managed to have the last laugh here at the Gachibowli stadium.

The Bangalore outfit, however, failed to make the cut and remained at the bottom of the table with 13 points that came from two wins and three losses.

While Hyderabad and Pune will play each other later tonight here, the other two semifinals – Awadhe Warriors and Mumbai Masters – will clash tomorrow in Bangalore.

Hyderabad’s Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk gave the hosts a cracking start last night by staving off the challenge of India’s top male shuttler Parupalli Kashyap 21—20 21—18 before Saina registered a hard-fought 21—17 14—21 11—8 victory over Ying Tai Tzu to give an initial advantage to the team.

But Banga Beats men’s doubles pair of Carston Mogensen and Akshay Dewalkar showed a lot of character to came from a game down to prevail 15—21 21—15 11—1 over V Shem Goh and Wah Lim Khim.

That set the rhythm for the Banga Beats to go for the kill and Jan O Jorgensen simply outplayed Ajay Jayaram 21—11 21—8, before mixed doubles combo of Carston Mogensen and Aparna Balan beat the Bangalore pair of Pradnya Gadre and Tarun Kona 18—21 21—16 11—9.

Speaking on the semifinal against Pune, Saina said, “I am very excited to play the semifinals as it will be the first time for me to play in team championship and I am sure my team will give its best.”

Narrow win for Saina

In the women’s singles match, having given ample evidence of her touch in the first game, Saina went down easily in the second game to give Bangalore a glimmer of hope.

However, the third and final game belonged to the London Olympic bronze medallist.

Admitting that she was under pressure playing in front of her home crowd, Saina said she was desperate to win the match.

“One side of the court was faster than yesterday which gave me a little problem in the second set. Looking at the crowd in my hometown, I was little bit under pressure that I have to win the match. In third game, I fought hard and kept myself cool so that I can win my game,” said Saina.

The keenly-awaited game of the day between Saina and Ying Tai Tzu began as a close contest with the score being 7—4 at first break.

What followed was a visual treat of powerful smashes, rallies for the spectators as the two seasoned players sweated it out. Saina managed to move ahead and the score was 14—10 by the second interval.

Though Ying Tai Tzu tried her best to narrow the gap, a few unforced errors proved costly for her and the never-say-die Saina succeeded in maintaining the lead. Saina’s deft play ensured that she pocketed it 21—17.

Tzu fought back in the second game and made it 7—6 at the first break but Saina narrowed the gap soon and equalled the score at 10—10. Ying Tai Tzu did not give up and succeeded in extending her lead. Long rallies followed before Tai managed to wrest the second game 21—14.

The deciding third game was a keenly fought battle consisting of powerful smashes and cross court shots with Saina taking the lead.

Saina kept up the momentum and reached the target 11 points against 8 scored by Ying Tai Tzu. A standing ovation followed.

Tough fight for Kashyap

With the combination of some powerful smashes and rallies, Kashyap surpassed Tanongsak at the time of second interval by racing away to a 14—11 lead.

Tanongsak, however, put up a tough fight and made matters difficult for Kashyap with his gritty play. The keen contest was locked at 20—20 before the Thai had the last laugh.

In the men’s singles match, Saensomboonsuk took an early lead. However, Kashyap caught up levelling the score at 10—10.

Continuing his intelligent play, Tanongsak surged ahead in the second game and established a solid 14—4 lead by the second break. Kashyap tried to come back into the game and took the score to 16—18. However, the Hyderabad player prevailed finally and ended the game 21—18.

Saensomboonsuk said, “It’s always great to play against Kashyap. The last smash was something which I would always like to remember and also like to thank the crowd who has been very supportive.”

Meanwhile, having outplayed local favourite Jayaram in a comfortable second men’s singles match, Jan O Jorgensen said, “I am happy for my game but a bit disappointed for my opponent Ajay Jayaram who didn’t play his best game. Since Ajay has to play the semifinals tomorrow, I kept on expecting him to give a good fight but the game went smooth and it did not even lasted for the third game.

“My overall experience of playing in IBL has been amazing and I would like to come back again next year to play for Banga Beats team.”

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