Semis race set to get hotter

When the penultimate leg of the league stage of the Pro Kabaddi League kicks off here at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium from Wednesday, the race for the top four is set to get tighter.

After six legs of thrilling action, new leaders emerged on Tuesday when Telugu Titans drew with Dabang Delhi in the last match of the Delhi segment. U Mumba had led the league table right from the start but the Titans displaced them, though both have 45 points at the moment.

With the top four teams qualifying for the semifinals, defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls are also in the race, placed in third and fourth positions as the Bengaluru leg kicks off on Wednesday.

The Titans have 45 points from 12 matches, with seven wins, three draws and two defeats. They are all but through the semifinals.

U Mumba, though level on points with Titans, are placed second as they have conceded more away points compared to the Hyderabad-based team. A defeat to Panthers in Hyderabad has been their only defeat.

As such, the Bengaluru leg could witness intense battles with the lower-ranked teams pushing to stay in contention before they move on to Pune for the final qualifying phase.
The Pink Panthers, after a disappointing start which saw them suffer four straight defeats, have got their act together with four wins and one draw in their last five games to climb up to the third spot with 31 points.

 Giving the Panthers a stiff challenge are the Bulls and Dabang Delhi (26). The hosts are in fourth position with 31 points. Bengaluru have the home advantage with them as they play four games here.

Delhi, who put up a resolute performance to hold the Titans 45-45 in their last home game, dislodged Patna Pirates (25) and jumped to the fourth spot. The Pirates though, have played only 10 matches compared to Delhi’s 12 and are strong contenders as they have upset formidable sides.

Tough test for Bulls

The Bulls’ home run, which will begin against U Mumba on Wednesday, will be anything but easy. The Manjeet Chillar-led side will have to be on top of their game to get the better of a powerful Mumbai side. Up next are Jaipur, who will be looking to go hard at the Bulls. They face Dabang Delhi on Friday before wrapping up the leg against an in-form Titans on Saturday.

Make a note

Fixtures: August 12: Bengaluru Bulls vs U Mumba (8:00 pm).

August 13: Bengal Warriors vs Puneri Paltan (8:00 pm); Bengaluru Bulls vs Jaipur Pink Panthers (9:00 pm). 

August 14: Bengal Warriors vs Patna Pirates (8:00 pm); Bengaluru Bulls vs Dabang Delhi (9:00 pm).

August 15: Patna Pirates vs U Mumba (8:00 pm); Bengaluru Bulls vs Telugu Titans (9:00 pm). 

Tickets: Prices range from Rs 350- Rs 2000.

Though the online tickets are sold out, the tickets will be available at the stadium.

Gates open at 4:30 pm.