Legends Cricket Trophy: Dubai Giants bag second victory; Punjab Royals secure first win
While Punjab clinched their first win of the tournament Dubai won their second match in succession to go top of the points table.
Riding on Geno Petriashvili’s dominating win Punjab Royals thrashed Delhi Sultans 6-1 in the Pro Wrestling League at the Siri Fort Indoor Stadiumin New Delhi on Thursday.
Geno, who came into the tie unbeaten, maintained his glorious run and overwhelmed Hitender Beniwal 10-0 by pinning him down on the mat.
Before him, World Championship bronze medallist Latvian Anastasija Grigorjeva annihilated Monia Dhanoi in the 62-kg event to put the Royals in the driving seat.
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Leading 2-1, Anastasija made a meal out of the Indian and won the contest 4-0 by pinfall in the opening period itself to help the Royals take a crucial 3-1 lead mid-way into the tie.
Winning the toss, Punjab played it smart and blocked the former Asian Championship gold medalist, Sandeep Tomar, while the Sultans elected to keep World championship bronze medallist Koumba Larroque out of action.
Delhi’s Icon player Alvarav Aslan (Azerbaijan), put his side ahead by pulling off an easy 14-1 win over Nasir Hussain in the heavyweight category.
The World Championship bronze medallist 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. Commonwealth champion silver medallist Nirmala Devi began the march, registering a thrilling 6-0 victory over two-time African champion Tunisian Maroi Meizen in 50 kg category to draw level for Punjab.
Maroi, who walked into the contest as favourite, was frustrated by Nirmala’s staunch defence. Nirmala did well to not commit any mistakes and 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 Vinod Omprakash 5-0 in an exciting contest to send Punjab 2-1 up after three rubbers.
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