India lost to Japan 0-3 after Isharani Baruah was defeated by Nozomi Okuhara 15-21, 12-21 in the second women’s singles at the Uber Cup quarterfinals in Chengdu, China on Thursday.
Ashmita Chaliha lost to Aya Ohori 10-21, 22-20, 15-21 in the first women’s singles. Chaliha, who struggled to find rhythm in the first game, came back to equalize the scoreline before taking the second game 22-20.
The Indian failed to capitalize on her early lead in the third game, losing points in quick succession as the Asian Games medalist from Japan launched a counter of her own.
Chaliha crumbled under pressure, losing the third game and the match 15-21.
“The first game could have been better, the court conditions didn’t suit me. I played her in Syed Modi but I wasn’t good, so today I wanted to give my best. Third set I could have been better after the 11 points, I made silly errors,” Chaliha said.
“In the second game, I managed to play on her backhand side. She is a lefty like me, so I got confused initially. With my attacks, I got more points. Overall, I am happy with the way I played. It was a great experience.”
The first doubles match saw National champions Shruti Mishra and Priya Konjengbam face a straight game defeat 8-21, 9-21 against Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida.
Baruah’s fate was no different as she put on a brave fight against the former World No 1 but failed to convert the chances.
The Indian lead 14-11 in the opening game before the experienced Japanese turned the tables by winning 10 of the next 11 points.
The second game went identical to the first as both players stayed neck and neck till 9-9 before Okuhara marched ahead for a 21-15, 21-12 win to seal the quarterfinals in Japan’s favour.
India had reached the semifinals of the Uber Cup thrice in 1957, 2014 and 2016.
The Indian men’s team, the defending champions, will face China in the quarterfinals of Thomas Cup later in the day.
Result
India lost to Japan 0-3 (Ashmita Chaliha lost to Aya Ohori 10-21, 22-20, 15-21; Priya Konjengbam/Shruti Mishra lost to Nami Matsuyama/Chiharu Shida 8-21, 9-21; Isharani Baruah lost to Nozomi Okuhara 15-21, 12-21)
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