It wasn't exactly the homecoming which Dabang Delhi had expected as Telugu Titans eked out a hard-fought 39-35 win in the inaugural Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League here today.
Deepak N Hudda and Rahul Choudhari stole the limelight for the winners while Surjeet Narwal of Dabang Delhi scored the maximum raid-points in the encounter.
Hudda was adjudged 'Star Raider' and Titans skipper Rajaguru Subramaniam got the 'Best Defender' award.
After losing a close encounter against Bengal Warriors during their last outing, Dabang Delhi needed full points from this game.
With a boisterous crowd and star cricketer Virender Sehwag backing the home team, Delhi started well with Surjeet Narwal scoring the first raid points for the home team.
But it was the visiting team who went for the attack. Telugu Titans were leading Delhi by 19-10 and it looked like that Delhi are in for a drubbing, but attacking duo of Surjeet and Kashiling Adake led the fight back.
At the end of first half, the margin was reduced to 23-18 in favour of the visitors.
Telugu Titans, who were on a two-match losing streak having lost to Pink Panthers and Patna Pirates, showed precision and right mix of attack and defence to consolidate their lead in the second half.
But Delhi showed character in the later part of second half and staged a comeback.
The Telugu outfit, however, held its nerve to clinch the tie.
Despite losing, Delhi gained one point from the tie as the losing margin was less than seven.
Delhi now have seven points and will take on Patna in the second match tomorrow.
