Indian shuttlers got off to winning starts in the Thomas and Uber Cup in Chengdu, China on Saturday. While the men downed Thailand 3-1 in Thomas Cup Group C match, the women's team outclassed Canada 4-1 in the Uber Cup Group A tie.
The men's title defence started with a loss as top-ranked HS Prannoy lost to world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn 20-22, 14-21. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made it 1-1 when they beat Peeratchai Sukphun and Pakkapon Teeraratsakul 21-19, 19-21, 21-12.
Lakshya Sen downed Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul 21-12, 19-21, 21-16 to secure a 2-1 le ad for India. And the little-known duo of MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila won the tie for India with a 21-19, 21-15 victory against Tanadon Punpanich and Wachirawit Sothon. The men will face England, who received a 0-5 thrashing from Indonesia, on Monday.
Earlier, Ashmita Chaliha shocked seasoned campaigner Michelle Li 26-24, 24-22 to give India a winning start. The duo of Priya Konjengbam and Shruti drubbed Catherine Choi and Jeslyn Chow 21-12, 21-10 to make it 2-0. Second singles player Isharani Baruah won the tie for her team with a commanding 21-13, 21-12 victory against Wen Yu Zhang.
However, Simran Singhi and Ritika Thaker lost to Jackie Dent and Crystal Lai 19-21, 15-21. But Anmol Kharb secured victory for India when she beat Eliana Zhang 21-15, 21-11.
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