GUWAHATI, Dec 23 - Kidambi Srikanth and Parupalli Kashyap of Awadhe Warriors won their respective matches against Chennai Smashers in the Premier Badminton League (PBL) at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium in Sarusajai here today.
Awadhe Warriors altogether won the first three matches against Chennai Smashers.
The Warriors opened the account clinching the mixed doubles with a verdict of 10-15, 15-5, 15-12. Comprising of Christinna Pedersen and Tang Chun Man, the Warriors duo were not impressive in the first set but came back to the game and cornered the second set quite convincingly. But in the third set they had to face a stiff challenge before winning 15-12.
Warriors� Parupalli Kashyap gave his team a 2-0 lead winning the first men�s singles against Daniel S Farid in straight sets 15-12, 15-8. It was apparently an one-sided affair as Chennai�s Farid hardly could put any challenge for Kashyap who was far better in all aspects. As it was a trump match, Kashyap gathered two points for his team.
Indian star Kidambi Srikanth made it 3-0 for the warriors with a 15-12, 15-13 victory against Brice Leverdez in the normal men�s singles.
Earlier, in the colourful opening ceremony, Chief Minister formally inaugurated the 3rd edition of the Premier Badminton League. Speaking on the occasion he thanked all the participating stars from all over the world and hoped their participation will inspire the youngsters in our country. He also urged the sportspersons to work hard if they want to become champions.
Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also the president of the Badminton Association of India welcomed the gathering in the inaugural function. He elaborated about the success story of the top Indian shuttlers in the international circuit his speech.