Holders India commenced their Thomas Cup campaign with a hard-fought 4-1 victory over Thailand in Chengdu on Saturday. However, the Southeast Asian nation proved that rankings hold little significance in the prestigious badminton tournament.
Despite the eventual scoreline, India faced a stern test on the opening day of the world men’s team championships. Paris Olympics-bound HS Prannoy, ranked ninth in the world, initially struggled against Kunlavut Vitidsarn. The reigning world champion rallied to win the first game 22-20 and eventually took the match 22-20, 21-14.
World No. 3 pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also faced a challenge against Peeratchai Sukphun and Pakkapon Teeraratsakul. The Indian duo won the first game but made uncharacteristic errors in the second. They regained composure in the decider to win 21-19, 19-21, 21-12.
Lakshya Sen gave India the lead by defeating Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul 21-12, 19-21, 21-16. However, the world No. 105 took a game off the 2022 Commonwealth Games champion.
MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila defeated Tanadon Punpanich and Wachirawit Sothon 21-19, 21-15. Former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth had an easy outing against Saran Jamsri, winning 21-9, 21-5.
In the Uber Cup, a second-string Indian team defeated a full-strength Canada 4-1. Ashmita Chaliha’s victory over Michelle Li was a highlight, as the world No. 53 outsmarted the former top 10 player.
Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra, Isharani Baruah, and Anmol Kharb also contributed to India’s victory.
