Harpal Singh Bedi
28 April 2024
New Delhi, April 28:Asian champions India commenced their Uber Cup Badminton campaign with a dominating 4-1 win over Canada in the Group A encounter at Chengdu, China on Saturday.
In the absence of top singles and doubles players, the new-look young side led by Ashmita Chaliha lived up to the expectations of giving India a winning start and the left-handed shuttler showed her mettle.
The world no 53 upset Canada’s Michelle Li, ranked 28 places above her, 26-24, 24-22 in a 42-minute clash that saw the Indian save a total of six game points across the two games.
The doubles combination of Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra then India’s lead with a 21-12, 21-10 win over Catherine Choi and Jeslyn Chow.
Isharani Baruah put the result beyond doubt as she packed off Wen Yu Zhang 21-13, 21-12 in just 29 minutes to make it unassailable 3-0 lead
Canada scored their first point when Jackie Dent and Crystal Lai defeated Simran Singhi and Ritika Thaker 21-19, 21-15 in the second doubles rubber.
India’s star in the successful Asian Team Championship campaign, Anmol Kharab then wrapped up the tie with a 21-15, 21-11 win over Eliana Zhang.
