India delivered a clinical and commanding performance to defeat Chinese Taipei 3-0 in the quarterfinals on Friday, May 1, advancing to the semifinals of the Thomas Cup 2026. Lakshya Sen, the doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, along with Ayush Shetty, delivered standout performances to secure India’s place in the top four.
Lakshya Sen set the tone in the opening singles clash against Chou Tien-chen, registering a hard-fought 18-21, 22-20, 21-17 victory after coming back from a game down. Rising to the occasion once again, Sen showcased his ability to absorb pressure and deliver in crunch moments.
Thomas Cup 2026 Quarterfinals Highlights
Sen and Chou entered the match with a 4–4 head-to-head record, and the contest lived up to expectations, turning into a topsy-turvy battle. Both players overturned significant deficits in the first two games to force a decider. While Chou fought back from 10-15 down to take the opening game, Sen responded by recovering from 14-17 in the second and saving two match points to stay alive.
The momentum swung repeatedly, but Sen held his nerve in the decider, maintaining a slender lead with aggressive, controlled attacking play. The two-time All England finalist ensured he stayed ahead in the crucial stages, eventually sealing the match and handing India a vital 1–0 lead in the tie.
SAT-CHI BUILDS ON LEAD
The advantage was doubled by the world-class pairing of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who took on Chinese Taipei’s top doubles team of Chiu Hsiang Chieh and Wang Chi-Lin. Their ability to raise the tempo, dominate at the net, and unleash powerful smashes proved decisive, allowing them to win the match 23-11, 19-21, 21-12 and give India a commanding 2-0 cushion.
The former Asian champions delivered a clinical performance to extend India’s lead. The Indian duo showed great composure in the opening game, saving two game points before edging ahead.
Although they narrowly dropped the second game, they responded with renewed intensity in the decider. Elevating their level when it mattered most, Satwik and Chirag produced a dominant finish to secure their third consecutive victory over the Chinese Taipei pair.
AYUSH FINISHES OFF IN STYLE
Thereafter, Ayush Shetty sealed the tie for India with a 21–16, 21–17 win over reigning All England champion Lin Chun-yi in 48 minutes, sparking celebrations in the Indian camp. The Asian Championships silver medallist was entrusted with the responsibility of closing out the quarterfinal, and the 20-year-old delivered the final blow in style.
Shetty, who remained unbeaten throughout the group stage, overturned a 10–12 deficit in the opening game by winning seven consecutive points, seizing complete control of the momentum. From there, he never looked back. He maintained his authority in the second game as well, staying firmly in command and underlining his rapid development as a top-class shuttler over the past few months.
More to follow…
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