India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (PTI Photo)
Former champions India beat Canada 4-1 in their group tie to improve their chances of reaching the quarterfinals of the Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark on Friday. However, Indian women lost to Denmark 1-3 in their Uber Cup Group A match.Apart from Lakshya Sen, the rest of the Indians won their matches comfortably. Lakshya started with a 21-18, 19-21, 10-21 defeat to Victor Lai. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made it 1-1 with a 21-10, 21-11 victory against Jonathan Bing Tasan Lai and Kevin Lee.Asian Championships silver medallist Ayush Shetty eased past Brian Yang 21-13, 21-17. India won the rubber as Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun made short work of Ty Alexander Lindeman and Nyl Yakura 21-7, 21-15.
Kidambi Srikanth downed Joshua Nguyen 21-17, 21-12. A victory against Australia on Monday will ensure India a place in the quarterfinals.Meanwhile, Denmark secured an unassailable 3-1 lead against India in the Uber Cup. PVSindhu scored a hardfought victory against Line Christophersen 21-13, 18-21, 21-17. But Unnati Hooda lost to Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt 12-21, 23-25, while the doubles pair of Priya Konjegbam and Shruti Mishra lost 17-21, 21-11, 21-23 to Amalie Cecillie Kudsk and Mette Werge.
In a mustwin tie, Tanvi Sharma faltered after winning the first game and lost to Amalie Schulz 2119, 16-21, 16-21.Results: Thomas Cup: India bt Canada 4-1 (Lakshya Sen lost to Victor Lai 21-18, 19-21, 10-21; Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty bt Jonathan Bing Tsan Lai/Kevin Lee 21-10, 21-11; Ayush Shetty bt Brian Yang 21-13, 2117; Harharan Amsakarunan/MR Arjun bt Ty Alexander Lindeman/ Nyl Yakura 21-7, 21-15; Kidambi Srikanth bt Joshua Nguyen 2117, 21-12).Uber Cup: India lost to Denmark 1-3 (PV Sindhu bt Line Christophersen 21-13, 18-21, 2117; Unnati Hooda lost to Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt 12-21, 23-25; Priya Konjegbam/Shruti Mishra lost to Amalie Cecillie Kudsk/ Mette Werge 17-21, 21-11, 21-23; Tanvi Sharma lost to Amalie Schulz 21-19, 16-21, 16-21).
