Telugu Titans beat debutants Tamil Thalaivas 32-27 in the opening match of the Pro Kabaddi League at a cpacity Gachibowli Indoor Stadium at Hyderabad on Friday, reported PTI.

Captain Rahul Chaudhari started the early onslaught and gave the hosts a 18-11 lead by half-time. In total, the Titans’ talisman bagged as many as 10 points. Nilesh Salunke also starred for the hosts securing seven points out of his 14 raids.

Vishal Bhardwaj (five points) and Farhad Milaghardan (4) also scored crucial points for the winning team. Thalaivas’ star raiders Ajay Thakur (6) and K Prapanjan (7) scored significant points for their side.

Puneri Paltan blank U Mumba

Puneri Paltan were in immaculate touch in the second match of the evening, thumping former champions U Mumba 33-21. Defence has been Paltan’s forte and barring skipper Anup Kumar, none of the other raiders managed to ruffle their opponents.

Sandeep Narwal’s lead the way with his no-nonsense tackling. Sandeep Narwal top-scored with six points. Deepak Hooda earned five points for his side. The ever-reliable Anup Kumar waged a lone battle, and pocketed eight points. Despite the Mumbai side opening the scoring, Pune’s extraordinary blitz in the first half helped them grab the game by the scuff of its neck.