Asia Mixed Team C'ships 2023 Highlights: India bow out after loss to China

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After beating Hong Kong in the quarters, India now face China in the semi-finals of the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships 2023. India beat Hong Kong 3-2 in the quarter-final to script history and advance to the semis for the first time in the tournament’s history. With the victory, India also assured themselves a first-ever medal in the Championships since its inception in 2017. India next face China in the semi-finals on February 18 (Saturday). Follow the India vs China match in Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships 2023 live updates here.

They had also reached the quarter-finals in the inaugural edition of the Asia Mixed Team Championships. However, India were beaten 2-3 by Thailand in the last eight stage. Having reached the semis, India directly qualified for the Sudirman Cup 2023, to take place in China later this year.

India beat Hong Kong to secure fist-ever medal

Starting with the mixed doubles, India's pair of Ishaan Bhatnagar and Tanisha Crasto raced to a 10-1 lead in the first game against Lee Chun Hei Reginald and NG Tsz Yau. Standing at that point, it looked like an easy ride for the Indian team. But the Hong Kong duo made a stunning comeback to take the first set 26-24. They saved two match points to win the first game and then won the second game 21-17 to put Hong Kong ahead.

Next Lakshya Sen went up against World No. 14 NG Ka Long Angus in men's singles. Sen won the first game 22-20, but succumbed to a shock defeat after losing the remaining two sets 19-21, 18-21. With Hong Kong 2-0 up in the five-match quarter-final tie, India needed to win each of their remaining three matches to advance to the semis.

The makeshift doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Chirag Shetty were next in action. Like the previous doubles match, India made a strong start but Hong Kong fought back. The Hong Kong duo of Tang Chun Man and Yeung Shing Choi made a turnaround to win the first set 22-20 after being 13-17 down at one stage. But Kapila and Shetty fought back to win the match 20-22, 21-16, 21-11 and keep India alive.

Likewise, PV Sindhu also shockingly lost her first game 16-21 against Saloni Mehta. However, she stormed through the next game to enforce a decider. Sindhu eventually took the match 16-21, 21-7, 21-9 to draw level for India. In the deciding match, India's women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand put aside Hong Kong duo Ng Tsz Yau and Ng Wing Yung 21-13, 21-12 to seal the semi-final berth.

India will now face tournament favourites and top seed China in the semi-finals of the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships 2023. The winner of this clash will play Korea or Thailand in the final on February 19 (Sunday). India had previously beaten Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates 5-0 respectively in their first two group matches. They also beat Malaysia 4-1 to top their group.