Tie: Delhi Acers v Hyderabad Hunters
Date: 12 January, Thursday
Time: 9:30pm SGT/7pm IST/1:30pm GMT
Competition: Premier Badminton League 2017
Venue: Siri Fort Sports Complex, New Delhi
TV Channel: There is no live TV coverage in Singapore.
Live Streaming: Hotstar
Overview
Awadhe Warriors, Mumbai Rockets and Chennai Smashers have already sealed three of the four semi-final spots. The final one is up for grabs and Delhi Acers and Hyderabad Hunters, who are in contention, will be going head-to-head on Thursday.
Also, Benglauru Blasters, who are currently at the fourth spot on the standings with 11 points, still have an outside chance to join the other three teams in the semi-final but their chances depend on the outcome of today's tie.
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Carolina Marin's Huters, who are currently fifth with 9 points from 4 ties, are well-placed to seal the spot but defending champions Acers are heading into the tie high on confidence after thrashing Smashers 5-2 during the recently-concluded Bengaluru leg. But Jan O Jorgensen-led hosts need a perfect five to make it to the last-four matches, which will be held on Friday.
The Acers have an uphill task as reigning Olympic champion Marin will not let go of an opportunity to lead her team past the group stages. Hunters also have Malaysian star Tan Wee Kiong in the doubles category along with Tan Boon Heong and their pairing is favourite to win the match against Acers' Russian duo of Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov.
On the other hand, The Acers will pin their hopes on Men's singles stars Jan O Jorgensen and Son Wan Ho and mixed doubles pairing of Jwala Gutta and Ivanov. But it looks difficult for the them given their weakness in the Women's singles category.
However, Jorgensen's unit have it in them to spoil Hyderabad's chances of reaching the next stage of the tournament. An exciting clash awaits and the Blasters fans will as well be hoping for the best.
TV Schedule
India: Star Sports
Team News
Delhi
Possible line-up: Jan O Jorgensen (MS), Son Wan Ho (MS), Tanvi Lad (WS), Jwala Gutta/Ivan Sozonov(XD), Vladimir Ivanov/Ivan Sozonov (MD)
Hyderabad
Possible line-up: Rajiv Ouseph (MS), Sameer Verma (MS), Carolina Marin (WS), Carolina Marin/Satwiksairaj (XD), Tan Wee Kiong/Tan Boon Heong (MD)
