NEW DELHI: The World Padel League debuted in India with a thrilling 23-22 win for Vernost Jaguars over Sohail Khan Ent. Panthers in a closely fought season opener at the Nesco Center in Mumbai. Bollywood actor, writer, director, and producer Sohail Khan, owner of the Panthers, attended the match to show his support for the team.
The intense contest kept fans hooked throughout, with Vernost Jaguars’ Alex Arroyo and María Virginia Riera staging an incredible mixed doubles comeback.
They trailed 1-4 in the set but fought back to force a tiebreak. They secured a hard-earned 7-6 win against Panthers’ Rama Valenzuela and Marina Guinart. In the men’s doubles, Panthers’ Javier Barahona and Javier Garcia faced Jaguars’ David Gala and Aris Patiniotis.
ALSO READ: World Padel League 2025: Mumbai hosts India’s first edition
Both pairs held their serves throughout, pushing the set into another tiebreak. This time, the Panthers edged past the Jaguars 7-6, levelling the overall score at 13-13.
The women’s doubles saw Panthers’ Sofia Araujo and Marta Ortega storm to a 3-0 lead. Though Jaguars’ Alejandra Salazar and Tamara Icardo fought back, the Panthers held firm. They claimed a 6-4 win, taking the overall lead to 19-17.
With everything at stake in the final set, Vernost Jaguars’ Lucas Campagnolo and David Gala Sanchez stepped up. They won 6-3 against Panthers’ Javier Leal and Sanyo Gutierrez, sealing the win for their team.
After the match, Vernost Jaguars’ Alejandra Salazar praised the exciting atmosphere. She also highlighted the team’s ability to adapt quickly. She emphasized the importance of starting the tournament with a hard-fought victory.
Meanwhile, the second match of the tournament between SG Pipers Cheetahs and Game Changers Lions was underway. It set the stage for more intense battles in the World Padel League.
