Badminton Asia Junior Championships: India miss out on semifinal spot after 2-3 loss to Malaysia

Modified Jul 01, 2024 15:33 IST

YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships - Day One — Results from India's tie against Malaysia at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships (Image Source: Getty)

India's team campaign at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships ended after the nation's youngsters suffered a 2-3 loss to Malaysia. Playing in the quarter-finals, the team got off to a strong start but could not hold on to that winning momentum.

The first match of the tie was the mixed doubles encounter with Sanskar Saraswat and Shravani Walekar taking on Kang Khai Xing and Noraqilah Maisarah. The Indians came from a game down to secure a 16-21, 21-13, 21-17 victory, giving India a 1-0 advantage on the scoreboard.

Tanvi Sharma extended the lead to 2-0 after continuing her unbeaten streak in the women's singles. In a close battle that lasted over an hour, the Indian took down Siti Zulaikha 15-21, 21-15, 22-20.

India only needed one more win to seal their semi-final spot at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships, and for a minute it looked like it was in the bag. Taking to court for the men's singles, Pranay Shettigar won his first game 21-15. Unfortunately, his opponent, Mohammad Faiq, fought back tooth and nail, scripting a comeback that had Malaysia cheering as he won the next two games 21-18, 21-19 to win the match.

Faiq’s performance in this do-or-die situation added new life to the Malaysian bench. His teammates then went on to decimate India in the men's and women's doubles matches, setting up a semi-final clash with China at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships.