Ashwini Ponnappa & Tanisha Crasto at Paris Olympics 2024 Highlights - Ponnappa/Crasto lose opening encounter to Kim/Kong in straight games

Ashwini Ponnappa & Tanisha Crasto at Paris Olympics 2024 Live Updates: Ponnappa-Crasto failed to replicate Satwik-Chirag's heroics, losing to Koreans Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong in their first match. Follow Sportskeeda for live updates on Ashwini Ponappa and Tanisha Crasto at the Paris Olympics 2024

That concludes our live coverage of the today’s badminton action. We will continue to provide updates on the entire Indian contingent in action at Paris. Click here to visit the main blog and catch up on all the action from today!

Ponnappa/Crasto suffer defeat (18-21, 10-21)

Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto had a difficult start to their Paris Olympics 2024, suffering a straight-games defeat to Kim So-yeong and Kong Hee-yong. Although the Indian pair began strongly, they struggled to maintain their rhythm. Crasto played well, but the Koreans displayed better composure in the first game to secure a narrow victory.

The second game was more straightforward for Kim and Kong, as they built an eight-point lead by the mid-game interval. From there, they comfortably secured the win. For Tanisha and Ashwini, this loss is a tough blow, but they need to quickly refocus as they are set to face the world number 4 Japanese duo, Matsuyama Nami and Shida Chiharu next.

Game 2: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 10 - 21 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR) [Game 1: 18-21]

It’s all over. Heartbreak for Ponnappa and Crasto as they face a straight-sets defeat. The final point features a lengthy rally, ending with Tanisha’s attempt sending the shuttle out of bounds. The Koreans embrace each other in joy as they secure a crucial victory.

Game 2: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 10 - 20 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR) [Game 1: 18-21]

JUST ONE MORE POINT FOR THE WIN. Ponnappa’s serve is timid this time, and Kim places the shuttle to the right. The Koreans are on the brink of victory.

Game 2: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 7 - 18 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR) [Game 1: 18-21]

Kim delivers a stunning smash aimed at Ponnappa, which she has no answers to. The Koreans are nearing victory. India appear to be dejected at the moment.

Game 2: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 6 - 15 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR) [Game 1: 18-21]

Ponnappa’s reach is impressive here as he moves to the rear court, stretches to keep the shuttle in play, and forces an error from the Koreans. India are still fighting.

Game 2: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 4 - 14 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR) [Game 1: 18-21]

Ponnappa and Crasto seem to be running out of steam. The Koreans are expertly combining drops and smashes, and India has no response. The ten-point lead clearly highlights the gap in quality.

Game 2: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 3 - 11 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR) [Game 1: 18-21]

An eight-point lead at the mid-game interval shows that Kim and Kong have definitely raised their level of play. The last point saw a brilliant rally, with Kong’s cross-court smash reaching Ponnappa, whose weak return hit the net.

Game 2: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 2 - 10 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR) [Game 1: 18-21]

The Koreans have complete control. The Kim/Kong pair are showing absolutely no mercy, as they race to an eight-point lead.

Game 2: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 1 - 5 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR) [Game 1: 18-21]

It looks like there’s a strategic shift as Ponnappa moves to the front court. Despite Tanisha delivering powerful smashes, the Koreans defend well. Just as Tanisha advances with a drive, she hits the net. The Koreans now have a four-point lead.

Game 2: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 0- 1 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR) [Game 1: 18-21]

The Koreans once again start strong!

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 18- 21 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

AND THE KOREANS WIN THE FIRST GAME. Just as they were building momentum, the Koreans secured the first game. Ponnappa and Crasto put up a strong fight, but they lacked coordination at crucial moments, while the Koreans executed powerful attacking plays.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 18- 20 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

India are still alive here! Three points on the trot now, with the Koreans making some unforced errors.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 15 - 19 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

The Koreans have clearly shown better coordination than the Indians, especially evident in the recent rallies. This time, Ponnappa’s lofted return to Kim’s smash goes out of play.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 14 - 17 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

Crasto is on fire. Her defense has single handedly made sure India are still in the game.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 12 - 17 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

The Koreans are tightening their grip on the first game. Their combination of aggressive play and placements has earned them a five-point lead.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 11 - 15 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

Once again, the Koreans have made a comeback. However, the Indians remain competitive, with Tanisha’s aggressive play at the front court giving them a boost.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 9 - 11 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

ABSOLUTELTY BRILLIANT FROM TANISHA! She takes center stage in the frontcourt, defending expertly until Kim makes an unforced error. It’s a strong start for India after the break.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 8 - 11 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

At the mid-game interval, the Koreans have a three-point lead. India have been solid, but Kim/Kong pair seem to have an edge over them in terms of composure.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 8 - 9 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

The Indians put up a strong fight, winning three points in a row, but the Koreans still maintain the lead.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 5 - 9 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

An unsuccessful challenge for the Indians, as Kim drives the shuttle into the edge of the side alley.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 5 - 7 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

The Koreans are back in control with momentum on their side. Ponnappa’s judgment was slightly off, leading to an unforced error as she hits the shuttle into the net.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 4 - 4 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

The Indians are focusing on powerful smashes, while the South Koreans are countering with precise placements and drop shots. The scores are level.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 3 - 1 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

Some aggressive bit of play from Crasto, as they are right back into the game. She smashes the shuttle right into the middle of the court with both Kim and Kong stranded.

Game 1: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto (IND) 0 - 1 Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR)

The Koreans grab the first point with a drop shot.

India set to serve first! They arrive into this game as underdogs, but certainly have the potential to cause an upset.

The players are warming up, with the game about to begin. Both pairs make their way to the court for the toss.

Tanisha Crasto is making her Olympic debut, but the Dubai-born badminton star is brimming with potential. Here’s a look at her journey and the important role her father played in her development in the sport⬇️

"I had to quit my job" - Tanisha Crasto's father Clifford Crasto opens up on his challenging decisions for daughter's career

This game certainly presents a formidable challenge for the Indian team. Take a look at their head-to-head record against their South Korean opponents⬇️

2024 Paris Olympics Badminton: Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto vs. Kim So Yeong/Kong Hee Yong preview and where to watch

Looking at the group, Ponnappa and Crasto are also set to face the world number 4 Japanese duo of Matsuyama Nami and Shida Chiharu. Additionally, they will compete against the 26th-ranked Australian pair of Setyana Mapasa and Yu Angela. The pair will need to secure at least two victories to advance to the quarterfinals of the competition.

The Indian pair (currently ranked 19th) will face the 8th-ranked Kim/Kong, who won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Despite the challenge that lies ahead, they are certainly beatable, as shown by India’s other women’s doubles pair, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who defeated them in the quarterfinals of the Singapore Open in May. With the right strategy, they certainly have a chance to pull off an upset.

Ponnappa and Crasto teamed up just last year, but their rise has been impressive. Ponnappa is a well-known name in the doubles event; the 34-year-old has won multiple titles and competed in two Olympic Games as well. She now has a new partner in 21-year-old Tanisha Crasto, who is making her debut in this event. Although the duo’s recent form has been mixed, they arrive with confidence, given their performances over the past year.

Updates on the earlier clashes: Lakshya Sen came up against Kevin Cordon in the men’s singles. It was a tightly contested game, but Sen managed to defeat the 41st-ranked Cordon in straight sets (21-8, 22-20).

The second match featured the much-discussed pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who took on France’s Lucas Corvee and Labar Ronan. The Indians clinched a convincing win once again (21-17, 21-14), kicking off their 2024 Olympics campaign in style.

Now, the spotlight is on the women to ensure India makes a strong start, though it will be a tough challenge against the higher-ranked duo of Kim So-yeong and Kong Hee-yong.

Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda’s live coverage of badminton at the Paris Olympics 2024. After an exciting set of matches in the men’s badminton event, we now shift our focus to the women’s competition. The final match of the night features Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto facing off against the South Korean duo, Kim So-yeong and Kong Hee-yong, in the women’s doubles group stage. This is set to be an exciting showdown, so stay tuned as we provide you with all the latest updates from the women’s doubles clash.