Noida, Jan. 30 -- Punjab Royals continued to hold the upper hand against table-toppers Haryana Thunders, leading 3-2 at the halfway mark of the first semi-final of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026, here at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Friday.

Having established a 3-1 advantage through the opening four bouts, Punjab absorbed Haryana's resistance in the fifth contest to retain their edge heading into the decisive second half, as both sides battled intensely for a place in the final, as per a PWL press release.

Punjab struck first in the 57kg men's bout as Chirag Chhikara set the tone with a decisive takedown in the first period against Rohit. Haryana's wrestler managed only an activity point in the second period, as Chirag's early contr...