HUNTERS EYE REBIRTH IN HYDERABAD

With only four points from two ties, Hyderabad Hunters look to change their fortunes as they being their home run against the North Eastern Warriors in the Premier Badminton League to be played at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in the city from Wednesday. Hunters, who lost their opening tie to Chennai Superstarz

(2-5) and edged past Awadhe Warriors (4-3), have their task cut out against the secondplaced side in the league. “I agree we have not had an ideal start to our season in the league but that does not mean that we are out of contention. We begin our home leg tomorrow (Wednesday) against the Warriors (North Eastern) and will look to take advantage in front of our home crowds,” P. V. Sindhu, captain of the Hunters said. On being asked if she is happy with the team combination, the 24-year-old said, “I think we have the right set of players in our team. We have a good mix of both experienced and young players. Ivanov (Vladimir), Sikki (Reddy), Daren (Liew) and myself form the experienced bunch while the likes of Ruthvika (Shivani), Sourbah (Verma) and Priyanshu (Rajawat) are the younger players in the side. I am very happy with the team that we have. It’s just a matter of all things coming together at the right time.” “With the home leg starting, hopefully we can make amends and fight for a semifinal spot,” the reigning world champion added. After their tie against North East Warriors, they will be taking on Bengaluru Raptors (January 31), Mumbai Rockets (February 2) and play their last league match against Pune

7Aces (February 5) at home. Both the semifinals of the league will also be played in the city on February 7 and 8 while the title clash will be held on February 9.