JOIN USPunjab Royals registered a resounding 6-1 victory over Delhi Sultans in the third edition of Pro Wrestling League at the Siri Fort Indoor Stadium on Thursday.
Icon player Geno Petriashvili pulled off a dominating win to seal the issue. Geno, who came into the tie unbeaten, pummelled India's Hitender Beniwal 10-0 by pinning him down on the mat.
Before him, World Championship bronze medalist Anastasija Grigorjeva of Latvia swept aside India's Monia Dhanoi in the women's 62 kg event to put the Royals in the driving seat. Leading 2-1 at that stage, the Latvian won the contest 4-0 by pinfall in the opening period to help Royals take a crucial 3-1 lead in the tie.
Winning the toss, Punjab blocked Sandeep Tomar, the 2016 Asian Championship gold medalist, while the Sultans elected to keep World championship bronze medallist Koumba Larroque out of action.
Delhi's Icon player Alvarav Aslan of Azerbaijan, however, put his side ahead by pulling off a dominating 14-1 win over India's Nasir Hussain in the heavyweight category. The World championship bronze medalist was at the top of his game and demolished the Indian to dance to his fourth win of the season. But thereafter, it was Punjab Royals all the way as they won their next four bouts. Nirmala Devi began the march, registering a thrilling 6-0 victory over Maroi Meizen in the women's 50 kg to draw level for Punjab.
Nirmala attacked her opponent on the counter to score the points and eventually walk out victorious.
In the 74 kg contest, current national champion Jitender Kinha beat his compatriot Vinod Omprakash 5-0 in an exciting contest to send Punjab 2-1 up after three rubbers.