Delhi Acers resisted resilient comeback from Chennai Smashers to narrowly edge their opponent 4-3 in a thrilling semifinal at Bengaluru on Thursday.
Acers had easy start to tie by winning their first two games to go 2-0, but Smashers never gave up and won next two matches to go 3-2 up. But, Tommy Sugiarto had the final say as he beat Brice leverdez 15-11, 15-14 in the final match, which was a Trump match to give Delhi the win.
Acers started in fine form when men's doubles pair of Koon Keat Kien/Tan Boon Heong defeated Chris Adcock/Prannav Chopra 15-10,15-14. Then, Ajay Jayaram overcame Sony Dwi Kuncoro 14-15, 15-10, 15-7 to go 2-0 up.
Then came the comeback, mixed doubles pair of Chris Adcock/Pia Zebiadah beat Gabrielle Adcock/Koon Keat Kien 15-9, 15-14. It was followed by PV Sindhu's 15-6, 15-7 win over PC Thulasi in a Trump match put Chennai 3-2 up.
But, Sugiarto beat leverdez 15-11, 15-14 in the final match to win the tie 4-3.