
Bengaluru Jawans vs Hyderabad Superstars in the semi-finals. (Photo Credit: World Pickleball League)
Bengaluru Jawans booked their place in the World Pickleball League finals with a 3-2 victory over Hyderabad Superstars. The table-toppers Jawans delivered a composed performance to become the first team to enter the finals- to be played Sunday 2nd February at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium.
In the men’s singles, Bengaluru’s Jack Foster delivered an explosive performance against Hyderabad’s Ross Whittaker. Jack wasted no time, establishing a 10-0 lead within the first three minutes with his signature power and precision. Despite Whittaker’s efforts to rally later in the match, Foster maintained his aggression to secure a comfotable 24-9 victory.
Hyderabad struck back in the women’s doubles, as Ava Cavataio and Madalina Grigoriu dominated the dinking rallies at the net to claim an 18-7 win against Bengaluru’s Trang Hyunh-McClain and Alejandra Borobia, leveling the tie 1-1.
In a entertaining men's doubles encounter, Bengaluru’s Marcello Jardim and Mauro Garcia faced off against Hyderabad’s Ross Whittaker and Max Freeman in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With both teams locked in a tight contest, Bengaluru held a slender 6-5 lead at halftime before launching a strong second-half push. Ultimately, Bengaluru clinched a 12-9 win and took a crucial 2-1 lead in the tie.
With a spot in the finals at stake, Katerina Stewart stepped up once again for Bengaluru. After a tight start she broke away and dismantled Hyderabad’s Ludovica Sciaky 31-9, clinching the tie for Bengaluru.
With the final match being a formality, Hyderabad finished on a high as Max Freeman and Karolina Owczarek took a 17-7 mixed doubles win. However, it was Bengaluru Jawans celebrating at the end, sealing their place in Sunday’s final as they await their title clash opponent.
Stay connected with The Bridge on #socials.