Telugu Titans enter into the semifinal of Pro Kabaddi League

Hyderabad: Telugu Titans eked out a draw against bottom-placed Puneri Paltan to share the points and entered the semifinals of the Starsports Pro Kabaddi League, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium here on Friday. They now lead the points table with 42 points from 11 matches.

It turned out to be a edge of the seat thriller for a packed crowd. After two dominating victories on the trot, Titans were tested by the Paltan. Though the visitors were lying at the bottom, they rode on skipper Wazir Singh's briallance (12 points) to lead the match for the most part of it.

Unlike in their previous matches, Titans were not off to a great start. Instead, they conceded early lead. Within no time, the Paltan inflicted all-out in the eighth minute to take a comfortable 12-4 lead. But Sukesh's super ride reduced the margin to 12-15 and the team



to one player. Then Titans bagged three points after wiping out Paltan to level the scores at 16-all. Despite that, the visitors led 20-18 at the half time.

Paltan maintained their slender lead for the most part of the second half. But Titans produced some brilliant defence to level the scores at 27-all in the 37th minute. The last two minutes were filled with thrilling action. The visitors took two successive points and were on course for a victory. But in the dying moments of the game, Titans got two points with successful ride and a tackle to tie the match.

Earlier in the first match, defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers ended U Mumbai's unbeaten streak with a comfortable 35-25 victory. Tollywood actors Chiranjeevi, Srikanth and producer Dil Raju were in the crowd cheering for the home team.