WPBL 2025: Chennai Super Champs Show Grit but Fall to Mumbai Pickle Power

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chennai's Sonu Vishwakarma impressed with a 16-16 draw against Bartosz Karbownik.
- Women’s doubles lost momentum late, handing Mumbai a lead.
- Mihae Kwon edged out Thaddea Lock with a late-game surge.
- Tomassi and Blaszkewycz dominated in men's doubles.
- Chennai looks to build on recent performances for upcoming matches.
Mumbai, Jan 28 (NationPress) The Chennai Super Champs showcased a commendable effort but ultimately succumbed to a 3-1 setback against the Mumbai Pickle Power during the World Pickleball League (WPBL) held at the Cricket Club of India (CCI)-Brabourne Stadium on Tuesday evening. Head coach Joey Farias was proactive from the outset, strategically deploying their Indian ace Sonu Vishwakarma to initiate the match.
Sonu seamlessly integrated into the game, exhibiting remarkable agility, a strong forehand, and skillful net play which posed a significant challenge to Mumbai's Bartosz Karbownik. His outstanding display of talent was evident as he held Bartosz to a tight 16-16 draw, earning a point for both teams. The women's doubles saw Anna Clarice Patrimonio and Sarah Lane Jim take on Sabrina Dominguez and Glauka Carvajal Lane. The duo maintained a solid performance, making astute decisions throughout the match, but a late surge from Mumbai saw them concede several points in quick succession, giving the home team a 1-0 advantage.
A similar trend unfolded in the women’s singles clash where Mihae Kwon faced off against Thaddea Lock. Lock displayed exceptional finesse and power, but ultimately, the Mumbai competitor clinched four pivotal points late in the match, overcoming Kwon with a score of 18-15.
Chennai's Tanner Tomassi and Etienne Blaszkewycz rose to the occasion in men’s doubles, decisively defeating Eung Wong Kim and Brandon Lane with a score of 16-8. Their teamwork was exemplary, marking the first loss of the season for Brandon, who had previously secured victory in seven of his eight matches in the WPBL.
The team aims to draw confidence from Etienne and Tanner’s performance as they prepare for the final two matches of the campaign. Etienne attempted to continue the momentum in the mixed doubles alongside Sarah Jane Lim, but key moments slipped away in the latter part of the fifth match. Nevertheless, the Super Champs have shown improvements and are on an upward trajectory, hoping to achieve victories in their remaining fixtures.
Brief scores:
Mumbai Pickle Power triumphed over Chennai Super Champs by 3-1
Bartosz Karbownik tied 16-16 with Sonu Vishwakarma; Sabrina Dominguez/Glauka Carvajal Lane won 15 – 9 against Janie Lim/Patrimonio; Eung Wong Kim/Brandon Lane lost 8-16 against Tanner Tomassi/Etienne Blaszkewycz; Mihae Kwon won 18 – 15 against Thaddea Lock; Glauka Carvajal Lane/Brandon won 15 – 8 against Sarah Jane Lim/Etienne Blaszkewycz