India Dominates Canada in Thomas Cup Opener with 4-1 Victory
India's Strong Start in Thomas Cup 2026
In their opening match of the Thomas & Uber Cup 2026, former champions India secured a decisive 4-1 victory against Canada in Horsens, Denmark, on Friday.
Despite Lakshya Sen's defeat to world bronze medallist Victor Lai in the first match, the remaining Indian players triumphed in their respective games, edging the team closer to a quarterfinal berth, as reported by the Badminton Association of India (BAI).
Lakshya Sen's Tough Opening Match
The men's singles clash between Lakshya Sen and Victor Lai was highly anticipated, especially after their intense battle at the All England Championships, where Sen emerged victorious.
Sen began the match strongly, establishing an 11-5 lead in the first game. However, Lai seized control in the second game, forcing Sen to equalize at 12-12 and later at 19-19. Ultimately, Sen could not secure the win in two games, and Lai dominated the third game, concluding the match with scores of 18-21, 21-19, 21-10 after an hour and 11 minutes.
India's Comeback to Secure the Tie
The renowned men's doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty leveled the score for India with a convincing 21-10, 21-11 victory over Jonathan Lai and Kevin Lee.
Ayush Shetty then propelled India ahead by overcoming a second-game challenge from Brian Yang, winning 21-13, 21-17.
The men's doubles pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun clinched the tie for India with a solid 21-7, 21-15 win against Ty Alexander Lindeman and Nyl Yakura.
Kidambi Srikanth rounded off the match by defeating Joshua Nguyen with scores of 21-17, 21-12.
Upcoming Matches
The Indian women's team is set to begin their campaign against Denmark later today.
Match Results
Men's Results: India defeated Canada 4-1.
Lakshya Sen lost to Victor Lai: 18-21, 21-19, 21-10.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty defeated Jonathan Lai/Kevin Lee: 21-10, 21-11.
Ayush Shetty defeated Brian Yang: 21-13, 21-17.
Hariharan Amsakarunan/MR Arjun defeated Ty Alexander Lindeman/Nyl Yakura: 21-7, 21-15.
Kidambi Srikanth defeated Joshua Nguyen: 21-17, 21-12.