UBER CUP 2014 Day 3 – India tops group

India became the first women’s team to top their group in the round-robins as they beat Thailand 3-2. Both teams, along with Indonesia, Korea, Japan and Denmark had secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Uber Cup by the end of the day.

By Ooi Ee Lyn, Badzine Correspondent. Photos: Badmintonphoto (live)

While Canada and Hong Kong showed up to play their tie without the chance of advancing further into the draw, Thailand and India went up against each other to fight for the better ticket going into the quarter-finals.

Saina Nehwal started off well for the home team by taking the first point from World Champion Ratchanok Intanon in 22-20, 21-14. She was well supported by India’s second singles P.V. Sindhu (pictured left) and then the first doubles Jwala Gutta / Ashwini Ponnappa (pictured right), as India went on to wrap up the team’s victory at the first available opportunity, by beating Porntip Buranaprasertsuk and Duanganong Aroonkesorn / Savitree Amitrapai, respectively.

With Thailand’s loss confirmed by then, Busanan Ongbamrungphan, up fourth, endeavoured to take a personal victory over P.C. Thulasi, and prevented her team from losing the tie without earning a single point.

India’s first and second singles players, Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu then met up as partners to take on Thailand’s scratch pair of Kunchala Voravichitchaikul / Sapsiree Taerattanachai in the final match of the tie.

Even with the meeting of two outstanding singles players, it was still evident that the pace of games in doubles was too quick for the singles specialists.

The score was made to look a little more healthy as Voravichitchaikul/Taerattanachai ended the tie with a second point for Thailand, as they got the better of Saina/Sindhu after a three game, 50-minute battle.

Following India and Thailand into the quarter-finals are Indonesia, Korea, Japan and Denmark, each already with victories of two ties in their bags. In spite of their best efforts; Singapore, Australia, Malaysia and Germany will advance no further than the group stage.

Of those remaining, Indonesia and Korea, Japan and Denmark will face each other to fight for the highest spot in their respective groups on Wednesday, whilst England will take on Russia for a ticket to enter the quarter-finals. If Russia manages to send England off instead, Chinese Taipei will gain a lifeline through to the quarter-finals.

For all Tuesday results, click here.