Pune United Edges Out Mumbai Pickle Power: Pune United won over Mumbai Pickle Power in a nail-biting tie-breaker, securing their spot in the final of the World Pickleball League (WPBL) on Saturday at Brabourne Stadium. Mumbai Pickle Power, hoping for a win to cap off their campaign, faced a surprising defeat.
A Thrilling Semifinal Match
The second semifinal contest ended 2-2 in regulation time, leading to tie-breakers. Mihae Kwon and Kim Eung Gwon fought hard for Mumbai but were edged out by Molly O’Donoghue and Louis Laville of Pune, who won the tie-breaker 7-5 to advance to the final.
Mumbai Pickle Power entered the match without their star duo, Brandon Lane and Glauka Carvajal Lane. Bartosz Karbownik took the court against William Sobek in the men’s singles match. Karbownik showcased his skills as the match swung back and forth, ultimately ending in a tie at 16-16.
Key Matches of the Semifinal
Pune United initially took the lead with Molly O’Donoghue and Talia Saunders defeating Sabrina Dominguez and Katie Morris 14-9. Pune established an early advantage but saw their lead shrink as time ran out.
Mumbai Pickle Power responded strongly in the next two matches. Mayur Patil and Kim Eung Gwon delivered an impressive performance in men’s doubles, beating Vanshik Kapadia and Louis Laville 11-8. Mihae Kwon continued the momentum with a hard-fought 15-14 win over Brooke Revuelta, coming back after trailing early.
However, the mixed doubles match did not go in Mumbai’s favor. Mihae Kwon and Kim Eung Gwon lost 11-6 to O’Donoghue and Laville, leading to tie-breakers. Mumbai found themselves behind 4-1 in the final tie-breaker but fought back to 4-4. Ultimately, Pune secured the win, sending Mumbai home with pride.
World Pickleball League Final Standings
Position | Team | Ties played | Ties won | Matches won | Matches tied | Points scored |
Q | Bengaluru Jawans | 5 | 4 | 17 | 1 | 52 |
Q | Mumbai Pickle Power | 5 | 4 | 16 | 2 | 50 |
Q | Pune United | 5 | 2 | 12 | 1 | 37 |
Q | Hyderabad Superstars | 5 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 34 |
5 | Chennai Super Champs | 5 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 25 |
6 | Dilli Dillwale | 5 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 24 |
Match Summary
- Bartosz Karbownik drew 16-16 with William Sobek.
- Sabrina Dominguez and Katie Morris lost 9-14 to Molly O’Donoghue and Talia Saunders.
- Mayur Patil and Kim Eung Gwon won 11-8 against Vanshik Kapadia and Louis Laville.
- Mihae Kwon won 15-14 against Brooke Revuelta.
- Mihae Kwon and Kim Eung Gwon lost 11-6 to Molly O’Donoghue and Louis Laville.
News in Brief: Pune United Edges Out Mumbai Pickle Power
Pune United’s victory over Mumbai Pickle Power highlights the intense competition in the WPBL. Pune United will face Bengaluru Jawans in the final, promising an exciting showdown that fans eagerly anticipate.
Pune United won over Mumbai Pickle Power in a thrilling semifinal. The match ended in a tie-breaker after a 2-2 regulation score, leading Pune to the finals against Bengaluru Jawans. The game showcased intense competition and exciting plays, capturing the excitement of pickleball fans.
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