GUWAHATI, Dec 24 - It was a poor start by the debutants and home team North East Warriors as they lost their first three matches against Hyderabad Hunters in the Premier Badminton League (PBL) here at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium this evening.
Rio Olympic champion Carolina Marin won her Trump Match against North East�s Michelle Li of Canada 15-9, 15-11 which was the third match of the day.
Hosts North East Warriors started their campaign on a disappointing note as their mixed doubles team, comprising of Kim Gi-jung of South Korea and Shin Baek Cheol of Taiwan went down against Hyderabad Hunters� duo of Markis Kido of Taiwan and Yoo Yeon Seong of South Korea 10-15, 15-13, 13-15.
It was however a tough match for the Hyderabadi team as the North East players made them fight for every point. After drawing level in the second set, the local team played beautifully and almost clinched the set. But finally experience counted and the Hyderabad pair kept their cool and finally gathered the set 15-13.
In the second game of the evening, North East team�s captain Ajay Jayaram lost against Lee Hyun II of Hyderabad 13-15, 15-11, 6-15. The player from South Korea was better in every aspect and convincingly won the first set. However, Jayaram came back strongly in the second set to draw parity. In the final set, Lee totally outplayed the North East captain who challenged the decision when the scoreline was 14-6 in Lee�s favour which he lost and the set as well.