Indian eves make it to Uber Cup semis

India moved past Thailand 3-1 despite its spearhead Saina Nehwal losing the first match and is now assured of a medal. P.V. Sindhu, Ruthvika Shivani Gadde and experienced doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa notched up the wins for India.

P.V. Sindhu brought India level 1-1 with a comprehensive 21-18, 21-7 triumph in 43 minutes over World No. 21 Busanan Ongbamrungphan.

India’s women’s badminton team was assured of a medal in the Uber Cup as it moved past Thailand 3-1 to enter the semi-finals here on Thursday.

India, which lost to Japan in the 2014 edition in the semifinals to settle for a bronze medal, won before the fifth rubber despite its spearhead Saina Nehwal losing the first match.

World Championship 2015 runner-up Saina lost to World No.2 and former world champion Ratchanok Intanon 12-21, 19-21 in 41 minutes at the Kunshan Sports Centre.

It was the 21-year-old Thai’s fifth win in 11 encounters against the 26-year-old Saina, bronze medallist in the 2012 Olympics.

In the second singles match, double World Championship bronze medallist P.V. Sindhu brought India level 1-1 with a comprehensive 21-18, 21-7 triumph in 43 minutes over World No. 21 Busanan Ongbamrungphan.

Experienced doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa gave India the 2-1 lead as they quelled the challenge of Puttita Supajirakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai 21-18, 21-16 in 39 minutes.

Later, World No.119 Ruthvika Shivani Gadde played out of her skin to shock No.25 Nitchaon Jindapol 21-18, 21-16 in 41 minutes to hand India the 3-1 victory.