Indian women have assured themselves of at least a Bronze medal as they defeated Thailand 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the Uber Cup in Kunshan, China. This will be their consecutive semi-final appearance after creating history by wining the bronze medal in the last edition of the tournament in New Delhi.
Saina Nehwal, as usual was the first to play for India. She lost in straight sets of 12-21, 19-21 to the 2013 World Champion Ratchanok Intanon. It was the 5th time Saina lost to the World No. 2 Ratchanok.
With star shuttler Saina losing her match, a mammoth task lied ahead of Indian eves.
World No. 10 PV Sindhu bought India on level terms with a 21-18, 21-7 win over Busanan Ongbumrungphan in the second singles game of the day.
It was followed by the pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa registering a 21-19, 21-12 win over Puttia Supajirakul and Sapsiree Yaerattanchai in a game lasting 39 minutes.
An impressive performance was put up by 19 year old Ruthvika Gadde as she sealed the victory for India by defeating World No. 25 Nitchaon Jindapon 21-18, 21-16. This is being described as Ruthvika’s best performance till date.
The second doubles game scheduled to take place between N Sikki Reddy and PV Sindhu and the Thai pair of Rawinda Prajongjai and Jongkolphan Kititharakul was rendered inconsequential as India had already won the match.
India will face China in the semi-finals tomorrow.