Hindustan Times (Bathinda)

India assured of first Thomas Cup medal

-

As Chirag Shetty’s tap at the net hit the deck, his doubles partner Satwiksair­aj Rankireddy turned to face the vociferous partisan crowd supporting Malaysia and gestured that they had made their racquets do all the talking. Coming from behind after Lakshya Sen’s loss in the opener, the world No. 8 pair provided India the impetus that assured their first ever Thomas Cup medal by reaching the semi-finals with a 3-2 victory over the badminton powerhouse. India will play Denmark, who beat South Korea 3-2, on Friday for a place in Sunday’s final at Bangkok’s Impact Arena. Holders Indonesia will face Japan in the other semi-final. Expectatio­ns were high from India’s highest ranked shuttler Lakshya Sen but the 20-year-old lost the opening singles rubber 21-23, 9-21 in 46 minutes to reigning Asian champion Lee Zii Jia. This was the All England finalist’s first defeat to the world No. 6 in three outings.

 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from India