PV Sindhu makes smashing comeback, leads India over China in BATC
India got off to an impressive start with PV Sindhu leading the way in the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) 2024.
Sindhu made a successful comeback from a knee injury to carry India to a stunning 3-2 upset win over China in Shah Alam, Malaysia, on Wednesday. The 28-year-old double Olympic medallist needed 40 minutes to beat Han Yue, 21-17 21,15.
Click here for more badminton news and updates.
China responded after the pair of Sheng Shu and Tan Ning pulled off a 21-19 21-16 decision over Tanisha Castro and Ashwini Ponappa. World No.9 Wang Zhi Yi gave the Chinese the upper hand after a 21-13 21-15 mastery of Ashmita Chaliha.
India then erased China’s 2-1 lead after Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand defeated Li Yi Jing and Luo Xu Min, 10-21 21-18 21-17. Anmol Kharb provided the clinching victory for India with a 22-20 14-21 21-18 decision over world No.149 Wu Luo Yu.
India’s men’s team matched the women’s feat by posting a 4-1 domination of Hong Kong to qualify for the Group A knockout round.
HS Prannoy lost the only match for India after an 18-21 14-21 setback to Ng Ka Long Angus. India then swept the next four matches to close out their opponent.
World No.1 men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty routed Lui Chun Wai and Yeung Shing Choi, 21-16 21-11. Lakshya Sen handily beat Chan Yin Chak, 21-14 21-9 to give India the 2-1 lead.
MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila made short work of Chow Hin Long and Hung Kuei Chun, 21-12 21-7. Kidambi Srikanth capped India’s dominance of Hong Kong with a 21-14 21-18 win over Jason Gunawan.
