PBL 2018: 3 epic clashes to look forward to in the Mumbai leg

#2 Sameer Verma (Mumbai Rockets) vs Tommy Sugiarto (Delhi Dashers)

After the kind of solid performance that India’s Sameer Verma put up at the BWF World Tour Finals in his maiden appearance, it would perhaps not be wise to expect him to be troubled by Indonesia’s Tommy Sugiarto. Sameer made short work of the Indonesian veteran in a group clash on his way to a semi-final finish at this prestigious season-ender.

It helped the 24-year-old break away from the 1-1 tie that he had with the 30-year-old Sugiarto in their head-to-head record and inch ahead to 2-1. It was also instrumental in pushing the Dhar-born Verma to his career-high ranking of No. 12.

While Sameer had a confidence-boosting finish to the season, one can’t simply count out Sugiarto, who has formerly been ranked as high as No. 3. Currently placed at No. 9 in the world rankings, he not only boasts of a vast experience in the international circuit but even in the PBL as well.

Sugiarto was the ‘Male Most Valuable Player’ in the inaugural season of the PBL when he guided the Delhi Acers to title glory. He is certainly well-versed in the pressure of playing in this format and knows what it takes to get those quick points.

No matter how confident Sameer is now, his track record in PBL does indeed pale in comparison to the Indonesian and he can’t afford to have any lapse if he aims to continue his terrific form.