Tie: Chennai Smashers v Mumbai Rockets
Date: 14 January, Saturday
Time: 9:30pm SGT/7pm IST/1:30pm GMT
Competition: Premier Badminton League 2017
Venue: Siri Fort Sports Complex, New Delhi
TV Channel: In Singapore, there is no live TV coverage of the tie.
Live streaming: Hotstar
Overview
Mumbai Rockets have signalled their intent ahead of the big final with a 3/-1 thrashing of Hyderabad Hunters in the semi-final on Friday in New Delhi.
Rockets' Women's singles star Sung Ji Hyun came back from behind to upset reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin 6-11, 11-6, 11-5 in the first match of the tie, which was also the Trump match for Hyderabad. Indian shuttler HS Prannoy continued his good run in the tournament, beating compatriot, Hunters' Sameer Verma in straight games to seal the tie as early as the end of the second match.
Also, Rockets know what it takes to be in the big final of the star-studded tournament as they reached the title match last season only to lose to Delhi Acers 4-3. However, they will hoping to better their PBL record on Saturday.
On the other hand, Smashers made light work of table-toppers Awadhe Warriors in the first semi-final on Saturday. While, Rio Games silver medallist PV Sindhu won her Trump match against compatriot Saina Nehwal, their Men's doubles pairing of Chris Adcock and Mads Kolding stunned Awadhe's heavyweights Goh V Shem and Markis Kido in straight games.
Rockets will be gunning for revenge as they faced defeat in a closely-fought group stage tie against the Smashers. South Korea's Sung will definitely want to settle scores with Sindhu after her straight games defeat earlier in the season. Another crucial battle will involve Mumbai's Men's doubles pairing of Lee Yong Dae and Nipithphon Phuangphuapet against in-form Adcock and Kolding.
With a high-pressure situation and the new 11-point format in place, both teams would be tempted to go for the kill from the word go. With little to separate the two teams on paper, it will all come down to who handles the nerves better on the big night.
TV Schedule
India: Star Sports
Team News
Chennai
Possible line-up: PV Sindhu (WS), Tommy Sugiarto (MS 1), Parupalli Kashyap (MS 2), Chris Adcock/Gabrielle Adcock (XD), Chris Adcock/Mads Kolding (MD).
Mumbai
Possible line-up: Sung Ji Hyun (WS), HS Prannoy (MS 1), Ajay Jayaram (MS 2), Chirag Shetty/Nadiezda Zieba (XD), Lee Yong Dae/Nipithphon Phuangphuapet (MD).
