CHINGDAO – Grit trumped glory for India’s women in BATC Group Y. A 3-2 loss to Thailand couldn’t derail their quarter-final dreams, confirming advancement for the title holders amid pulsating play.
Thailand topped the group; India slotted second. Both march on. India’s Wednesday whitewash of Myanmar 5-0 laid the foundation.
World No. 42 Tanvi Sharma ignited hopes, toppling No. 16 Busanan Ongbamrungphan 21-14, 17-21, 21-18 in a 1-hour-3-minute epic.
Doubles aces Gayatri Gopichand-Treesa Jolly sealed a 2-0 lead, prevailing 21-14, 20-22, 21-11 versus Tidapron Klaisun-Nattamon Laissuan.
Thailand countered sharply: Pichaemon Opritniputh (19) ousted Rakshita Ramraj 21-19, 21-17. Hathairat Mijad-Napaporn Tungkasatan leveled at 2-2, defeating Tanisha Crasto-Shruti Mishra 21-19, 14-21, 15-21.
The 40-minute finale went to Pornpicha Choeikeewong, who bested Malvika Bansod 21-18, 21-14, gifting Thailand pole position.
Beyond the scoreline, this qualifier eyes Thomas-Uber Cup in Denmark. India defends Uber Cup; men eye upgrades from 2016-2020 bronzes against China.
Heartbreak today fuels tomorrow. India’s quarters path brims with potential, their squad’s versatility a nightmare for foes.