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India opened its campaign in the prestigious Thomas Cup with an impressive victory over Canada, showcasing depth in doubles and resilience across the lineup. The Indian team secured a comfortable win, overcoming an early hiccup in singles to assert dominance in subsequent matches. While Lakshya Sen faltered in the opening encounter, the doubles combinations, particularly Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, delivered commanding performances to steer the team to victory.

Early setback as Lakshya Sen loses opening singles

India’s campaign did not begin as planned, with Lakshya Sen facing Canada’s Victor Lai in the first singles match. Lakshya started strongly, taking the opening game 21-18 with controlled aggression and sharp court coverage. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Victor Lai mounted a spirited comeback. The Canadian player raised his intensity, exploiting gaps in Lakshya’s defense and forcing errors.

Lakshya struggled to maintain consistency in the following games, eventually losing 19-21 and 10-21. The defeat handed Canada an early lead and momentarily put pressure on the Indian squad. The result highlighted the unpredictable nature of singles competition, where even a strong start can quickly unravel against determined opposition.

Satwik-Chirag lead doubles resurgence

The turning point of the tie came in the doubles match, where Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty stepped onto the court with authority. The Indian pair dominated proceedings from the outset, displaying excellent coordination, powerful smashes, and sharp net play. Their aggressive approach left the Canadian duo with little room to respond.

Satwik and Chirag secured a convincing victory with scores of 21-10 and 21-11, wrapping up the contest in just 29 minutes. Their performance not only leveled the tie but also shifted momentum firmly in India’s favor. The pair once again demonstrated why they are among the top doubles combinations globally, combining speed, strength, and tactical awareness.

Following their win, India carried the momentum into the next match. Ayush Shetty delivered a composed performance in the second singles clash, defeating Brian Yang 21-13, 21-17. Ayush maintained control throughout the match, using precise shot placement and consistent rallies to outplay his opponent. His victory gave India a crucial lead in the tie.

Doubles depth seals dominant victory

India’s strength in doubles once again proved decisive in the fourth match. The pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan and M. R. Arjun delivered a commanding performance, defeating their Canadian counterparts 21-7, 21-15. Their dominance at the net and ability to control rallies ensured that India moved closer to sealing the tie.

With the doubles combination securing another win, India effectively clinched the contest. The final match saw Kidambi Srikanth stepping up to complete the formalities. He registered a straight-games victory, winning 21-17 and 21-12, further underlining India’s superiority in the tie.

The overall result reflected India’s balanced squad composition, where depth in doubles complemented steady performances in singles. Despite the initial setback, the team demonstrated composure and adaptability, quickly regaining control of the tie.

Momentum ahead of crucial group matches

The victory provides India with a strong start in the group stage of the Thomas Cup. With upcoming matches against Australia and China, maintaining momentum will be crucial. The performance against Canada highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement, particularly in singles consistency.

The doubles units emerged as the backbone of the team, delivering under pressure and ensuring that India remained competitive even after losing the opening match. The ability to bounce back quickly will be vital as the competition intensifies.

India’s campaign now moves forward with confidence, as the team aims to build on this winning start and progress deeper into the tournament. Consistent performances across all departments will be essential in facing stronger opponents in the upcoming fixtures.

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