IBL: Pune edge past Mumbai 3-2

Vladimir Ivanov won both his matches but Mumbai Masters went down to Pune Pistons, who jumped to the top of the points table, in the Indian Badminton League, in Lucknow, on Saturday,

Pune Pistons secured a close 3-2 victory after icon player Ashwini Ponnappa and Fischer Nielsen Joachim won the deciding mixed doubles match. They beat Pranav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy 21-20, 21-13.

With this victory, Pune top the standings with eight point from two victories, while Delhi are second with six points from two games.

Ivanov gave Mumbai the perfect start when he cruised past Saurabh Verma 21-16, 21-14. However, the experienced Juliane Schenk brought them back with a comeback victory against Tine Baun, winning 11-21, 21-10, 11-7.

Ivanov then teamed up with Pranav Jerry Chopra to register a hardfought 21-12, 20-21, 11-9 over Sanave Thomas and Rupesh Kumar in the men's doubles.

Nyugen Tien Minh levelled scores at 2-2 after he beat Marc Zweibler 21-18, 21-13 before they secured victory in the mixed doubles.

"It's a happy feeling to sit on the top on the points tally table. In the Mixed Doubles initially we both were not very strong but then we fought hard and won. Pune Pistons hopes to continue this winning streak in the League," Ponnappa said.

Image: Vladimir Ivanov

Photograph: Indian Badminton League