The defending champions now await the winner of the second semifinal on Friday between former champions Dabang Delhi TTC and UTT 2024 debutants Ahmedabad SG Pipers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
PBG Bengaluru Smashers, who had ended the league stage as the table toppers, went into the last-four clash riding a superb run of form. However, it was Athlead Goa Challengers who put themselves in the driver\u2019s seat right from the start.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Goa Challengers claimed the early advantage when Mihai Bobocica ended Alvaro Robles\u2019 unbeaten run this season with a 2-1 (11-8, 11-7, 7-11) win in the first men\u2019s singles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yangzi Liu, who was later adjudged the Foreign Player of the Tie, bolstered the lead for the defending champions with a 2-1 (4-11, 11-7, 11-4) win over World No.25 Manika Batra in the first women\u2019s singles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The star pair of Manika and Alvaro reduced the deficit to a single point for PBG Bengaluru Smashers as they beat the Athlead Goa Challengers\u2019 combination of Yangzi and Harmeet 2-1 (11-10, 11-7, 9-11) in the mixed doubles match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Harmeet, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, wrapped the issue for the defending champions by outclassing the young Jeet Chandra 3-0 (11-5, 11-9, 11-8) in the second men\u2019s singles. Harmeet was named the Indian Player of the Tie for his effort.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Detailed scores<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Athlead Goa Challengers bt PBG Bengaluru Smashers 8-4:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Detailed scores<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Funding For Test Cricket<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n