WPBL 2025: Mumbai Pickle Power Dominates Hyderabad Super Stars to Secure Semifinals Spot

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mumbai Pickle Power recorded a 5-0 victory over Hyderabad Super Stars.
- The team is at the top of the points table with 37 points.
- Brandon Lane remains undefeated in six matches, contributing significantly to the team's success.
- Mihae Kwon and Katie Morris excelled in their respective matches.
- Mumbai will face Chennai Super Champs next.
Mumbai, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Mumbai Pickle Power triumphed over the Hyderabad Super Stars with a decisive 5-0 victory in the World Pickleball League (WPBL) on Monday, marking the first time a team has achieved three consecutive wins in this tournament. The home team showcased an impeccable performance, dominating all five matches and securing a total of 15 points from this encounter.
Currently, the Mumbai Pickle Power leads the points table with 37 points from three matches, boasting an impressive record of 12 match victories, along with one draw.
Brandon Lane, who remains undefeated in his six matches, delivered a stunning performance to shift the game in his favor, overcoming his Hyderabad opponent Max Freeman with a score of 19-17 in men’s singles. He also teamed up with Glauka Carvajal Lane to defeat Ross Whittaker and Ava Cavataio 14-8 in mixed doubles to conclude their impressive outing. Brandon described his match against Freeman as one of the toughest he has ever faced.
“I am enjoying playing in India. This is a very competitive format. The match against Max Freeman was one of the toughest ever, especially since he is a left-hander. It feels great that we’re nearly through to the next round. We made a strong comeback against Chennai and then Bengaluru. All the matches were competitive today, but it’s so satisfying to have secured all the 15 points available,” Brandon shared after the match.
Katie Morris and Glauka fought hard to overcome Cavatio and Madalina Grigoriu with a 9-7 victory in women’s doubles. The Mumbai duo’s poise under pressure was commendable, as the match was tied at 7-7 before they clinched the last crucial points.
Next, Mayur Patil and Eung Wong Kim staged a remarkable comeback in men’s doubles against Freeman and Ben Cawston. The Hyderabad duo began with a strong 8-1 lead, but Mayur and Kim combined skillfully to recover and secure a thrilling 15-14 win.
Mihae Kwon made quick work of her women’s singles match, defeating Karolina Owczarek with an 11-8 score. Mihae entered this match following a fantastic performance against Dilli Dillwale, displaying her finesse on the court to triumph at crucial moments.
“Brandon is exhibiting some of the finest pickleball I have ever witnessed. Having him lead off with the first match gives us a solid start, and his superb mixed doubles performance with Glauka is a bonus. My role is to keep the team focused. We approach the next two matches with the same determination,” said Sam Basford, head coach of Mumbai Pickle Power.
Mumbai is set to face off against the Chennai Super Champs in their next match scheduled for Tuesday.