India Faces China and South Korea in Badminton Asia Team Championships Quarterfinals
Quarterfinal Matchups Set for India
In Qingdao, China, on February 5, the Indian women's badminton team, the defending champions, is set to compete against China in the quarterfinals, while the men's team will face South Korea in the same stage of the Badminton Asia Team Championships, as per an official announcement.
The Indian men's team secured their spot in the quarterfinals with a match to spare during the group stage. They opted to rest key players Lakshya Sen and Kidambi Srikanth in their match against Japan but still delivered a commendable performance, ultimately losing 2-3 and finishing second in Group C.
Similarly, the women's team also faced a narrow defeat, losing 2-3 to Thailand.
In the men's singles, Ayush Shetty, a former world junior bronze medalist, gave India a strong start against Kenta Nishimoto, winning the match with scores of 21-18, 15-21, 21-11. Following this, the duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty extended India's lead by defeating Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi with a scoreline of 21-18, 15-21, 21-12.
However, the tide turned when HS Prannoy lost to Yushi Tanaka in straight games, 17-21, 11-21, allowing Japan to clinch the top position in the group by winning the second men's doubles and third singles matches.
Earlier in the day, the Indian women's team was unable to capitalize on the momentum created by world junior championship silver medalist Tanvi Sharma and the strong women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand.
Tanvi, stepping in for former world champion PV Sindhu, showcased her potential by maintaining composure after a close second game loss, ultimately defeating world no. 16 Busanan Ongbamrungphan with scores of 21-14, 17-21, 21-18 in a match lasting over an hour.
Following her victory, Treesa and Gayatri overcame the challenge posed by Tidapron Kleebyeesun and Nattamon Laisuan, winning 21-14, 20-22, 21-11, giving India a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately, the momentum shifted as Rakshitha Sree and the seasoned Malvika Bansod lost their singles matches, and the newly formed pair of Tanisha Crasto and Shruti Mishra fell to Hathaithip Mijad and Napapakorn Tungkasatan with scores of 21-19, 14-21, 15-21 in the second doubles match.
Match Results Overview
Women Group Y: India lost to Thailand 2-3
(Tanvi Sharma defeated Busanan Ongbamrungphan 21-14, 17-21, 21-18; Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand defeated Tidapron Kleebyeesun/Nattamon Laisuan 21-14, 20-22, 21-11; Rakshitha Sree lost to Pitchamon Opatniputh 19-21, 17-21; Tanisha Crasto/Shruti Mishra lost to Hathaithip Mijad/Napapakorn Tungkasatan 21-19, 14-21, 15-21; Malvika Bansod lost to Pornpicha Choeikeewong 18-21, 14-21.
Men Group C: India lost to Japan 2-3
(Ayush Shetty defeated Kenta Nishimoto 21-18, 15-21, 21-11; Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty defeated Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi 21-18, 15-21, 21-12; HS Prannoy lost to Yushi Tanaka 17-21, 11-21; Hariharan Amsakarunan/Pruthvi K Roy lost to Kakeru Kumagai/Hiroki Nishi 14-21, 10-21; M Tharun lost to Koki Watanabe 21-12, 14-21, 11-21).