IBL: Formidable Mumbai Masters takes on Awadhe Warriors

Bangalore: Over the past two weeks, the Indian Badminton League has witnessed many a hiccup, but the diehard badminton buffs who have braved the odd timings to watch the stars in action have also been treated to some good badminton fare. Going by the fortnight’s proceedings, it’s the form on the day rather than reputation that could decide the fate of matches. On Thursday, at the Sree Kanteerava indoor stadium, Awadhe Warriors take on Mumbai Masters for a berth in the final of the inaugural event. Both the teams, who have equal measures of talent and experience come into the last four face-off with 16 points each, having won an identical three matches and lost two. When the two teams last met in the league stage here on Saturday, Warriors had edged past Mumbai 3-2. On paper, with a line-up which consists of a galaxy of stars including World no. 1 Lee Chong Wei, Mark Zwiebler and the formidable Tine Baun, Mumbai are the stronger team. But given the Warriors’ progress so far, they are no pushovers. Having lost their first two outings, the Lucknow-based team, riding on the strength of their icon player Sindhu, has delivered three victories on the trot. Another factor that has clicked for the Warriors is the doubles pair of Mathias Boe and Markis Kido. On the other hand, against big guns Lee and Zwiebler, Warriors’ men’s singles challengers K Srikanth and R.M.V.Gurusaidutt may find the going tough especially, given their inconsistent form. Sindhu, who will play Baun in the women’s singles, will take confidence from Saturday night’s victory against her Denmark opponent. Sindhu, the world championship bronze medalist said, “It will be a good match. I want to give my best because Tine is a very good player. Our team is in good form and we should do well. It has been a good comeback to get into the semifinals.” On the other hand, AllEngland champion Baun has come out of retirement to play in the league and has struggled to get back into form. “It’s been pretty tough coming back from my retirement. I think I have done better than I expected. I have been close to winning some of my matches. Most of the other players have prepared well for the Worlds which was just before this event and I haven’t been playing at all,” said the 34-year-old. Although home team Banga Beats finished with the wooden spoon, the partisan audience will have a tough call choosing between Sindhu and Lee’s team, with both players commanding a sizeable fan following in the city.