Ahmedabad Smash Masters make into semis of PBL

Ahmedabad Smash Masters have become the first team to qualify for the Semi-finals of the ongoing Premier Badminton League (PBL). 

The Gujarat franchise ensured their berth in the last tie of the Chennai leg yesterday by winning four of the five matches against two-time runners-up Mumbai Rockets. The victory not only guaranteed Ahmedabad a semi-final spot but also sealed a top spot in the eight-team league. The five points earned from this win swelled their points tally to 17, two more than earlier leaders Bengaluru Blasters. The Ahmedabad team is making its debut in the league. 

Mumbai Rockets ended the league with 10



points while Chennai Smashers finished with 12 points and are out of contention for the knockouts.The last leg of the League begins in Hyderabad today. All four teams featuring in the last leg are in contention for the top four slots.

Delhi Dashers and North Eastern Warriors have both 11 points each. At present, Delhi are placed sixth and North Eastern Warriors seventh in the eight-team table. Both teams have as much a chance to enter the semi-finals as Bengaluru Blasters who have 15 points, and Hyderabad Hunters who have 14 points. 

Awadhe Warriors have finished their league engagements with 12 points.