Match 5: Ashwini Ponnappa/PV Sindhu vs Shizuka Matsuo/Mami Nato
Right then. After winning their opening two ties convincingly, India have now lost two straight matches and its down to Ashwini Ponnappa and PV Sindhu to win this rubber for India.
Also read: Thomas and Uber Cup 2016: India beat Thailand 3-1 in Quarterfinal: Live score badminton updates (Today’s Match)
Good start for India.1-0
Jump and whack from Ashwini. 2-0.
Ashwini and Sindhu up 4-1
Service fault from the Japanese pair and its 6-2
At the interval in the opening game, Ashwini Ponnappa and PV Sindhu lead 11-2.
Three straight points after the break for the Japanese pair. 5-11.
6-12.
Its 13-8 in favour of Ashwini and Sindhu.
This is superb attacking play from the Indian duo. Up 15-8 now.
Ashwini and Sindhu are 16-10 up in the opening game.
The Japanese pair are hanging on here. The difference is just 4 points now.
Ashwini and Sindhu 3 points away from winning the opening game. 18-13
Service fault from Ashwini. 19-14
5 game point opportunities for Ashwini and Sindhu
Game for Ashwini and Sindhu 21-15.
Like in the opening game. Ashwini and Sindhu take the opening point. 1-0
The Japanese pair in the lead. 3-2
We are being treated to some excellent attacking play here. Big rallies full of smashes. The Japanese pair lead 4-3.
Its 5-5.Wow Ashwini Ponnappa.
The Japanese pair are ahead 7-6
They are edging forward just a bit. 8-6
Key point that. 7-9
Three straight points. 9-9 now.
Ashwini and Sindhu in the lead again. 10-9
At the interval in the second game, Ashwini and Sindhu trail 10-11.
It is getting real tight here. The Japanese pair lead 12-11.
A terrific rally is finished by a fast cross court hit from the Japanese pair. They lead 15-11.
Key phase in the game. Ashwini and Sindhu trail 13-17.
Lovely from Sindhu. Fast down the line hit fetches a key point. 14-17
It's 18-16 in favour of the Japanese pair
They have cut the lead to 1. 17-18
Also read: Thomas and Uber Cup 2016: India beat Thailand 3-1 in Quarterfinal: Live score badminton updates (Today’s Match)
This really is a refreshing pair.
18-19 thanks to that unforced error from the Japanese pair.
2 game point opportunities for the Japanese pair.
And Sindhu saves one. 20-19.
And the Japanese pair win the game 21-19 to take the match into a decider.
Its 1-1 in the decider.
The Japanese pair are 3-1 up.
Ashwini and Sindhu need t go back to the attacking mode as they did in the opening game.
Vital point that. 5-2
Lead cut to 2. 4-6
Just one point the difference. 6-7
It is 7-7.
Superb rally ended with a fine shot from Sindhu Back on level terms. 8-8
Its 9-9 now. Sindhu with the unforced error.
That is OUT. Ashwini and Sindhu lead 10-9
At the interval in the decider, Ashwini and Sindhu lead 11-9.
Alright, we are now in the final phase of this rubber.
Its 11-11.
Service fault from Sindhu. 13-12
And they reply back with a fault of their own. 13-13
Its 13-15 against Ashwini and Sindhu.
Late to react on that occasion.
Ashwini and Sindhu tail 14-17
It is 16-18.WOW! WHAT A TIE THIS HAS BEEN
Vita, vital point.16-19.
4 match point opportunities.
Done and dusted. Japan beat India 3-2 in the Group decider.
Match 4: Ruthvika Shivani Gadde vs Sayaka Sato
It has been a superb day as far as Women’s Singles is concerned for India with both Saina and Sindhu registering fine wins. Can Ruthvika Shivani Gadde win her tie and close the rubber?
Sato has begun well here. Up 3-0
Ruthvika has challenged that and seems like its OUT. 1-3.
Lovely from Sato. 1-4
Sato with the early upper hand. 6-1 up.
Unforced error from Ruthvika, 7-1 up.
Ruthvika under pressure here. Down 1-9
At the interval in the opening game, Sayaka Sato leads Ruthvika Shivani Gadde 11-2
Sato in total control here. Up 13-2.
Also read: Thomas and Uber Cup 2016:India vs Thailand Quarterfinal: Jwala Gutta/Ashwini Ponnappa vs Puttita Supajirakul/Sapsiree Taerattanachai (1-1): Live badminton score updates (Today’s Match)
Ruthvika down 4-16 here.
Ruthvika really struggling here. Down 7-19.
13 game point opportunities for Ruthvika.
That's the game for Sato. 21-7.
Early challenge from Ruthvika and its two-out-of-two. 1-0
Lovely drop shot from Sato. 1-2
Sato in the lead now. 4-2
At the interval in the second game, Sato leads Ruthvika 3-11.
Ruthvika trailing 6-13 in the second game
Ruthvika has won 4 out of the 6 points since the interval.
8-14.
It is looking more and more clear that the final tie will decide who tops the group. Ruthvika trails 9-17
Wide from Ruthvika. 11-18
13-19
Ruthvika gaining some good points towards the end here. 14-19.
6 match point opportunities for Sato.
That's the match. Ruthvika Shivani Gadde loses 21-7 21-14 and its 2-2 in the rubber.
Match 3: Jwala Gutta/Sikki Reddy vs Misaki Matsutomo/Ayaka Takahashi
The two main Women’s Singles competitors have done their job very well. Now its up to the experienced Jwala Gutta to put her hand up and seal the tie for India. But she won’t be partnering Ashwini Ponnappa but instead will pair up against Sikki Reddy.
Gutta to serve.
India get off the blocks immediately. 1-0
Wide from Sikki Reddy. 1-2.
Unforced error from Jwala. 1-3.
Its 3-3 now.
Jwala and Sikki Reddy take the lead. 4-3.
Good, fast hit from Jwala. India lead 5-4
6-5 in favour of Matsumoto and Takahashi.
Unforced error from Jwala. 7-5
An excellent rally ends with yet another unforced error from Jwala. India trail 5-9.
At the interval in the opening game, Jwala Gutta and Sikki Reddy trail 5-11.
Jwala and Sikki Reddy struggling here. Down 5-13
A Much needed point that. 6-13.
Wide from the Japanese Pair. 7-14
Audacious from Jwala on that occasion. 9-15
Gutta and Sikki Reddy trail 10-17.
Right down the centre on that occasion from the Japanese pair. Its 11-19
The opening game goes to the Japanese pair. 21-11.
Jwala and Sikki Reddy have a lot of work ahead of them if they are to keep India’s undefeated streak intact.
Its 1-1
Jwala misses that. India down 1-3.
A superb rally brought to a close with a fine drop shot from the Japanese pair. Its 2-6.
Make that 2-7
At the interval in the second game, Jwala and Sikki Reddy trail 2-11.
Wow! After a blazing start in the Singles, India seem to have completely turned sides in the doubles
Jwala and Sikki Reddy trail 3-13
Lovely drop shot from Jwala. 4-13
The dinky shot from Jwala not working there. 6-14.
Make that 7-14
The Japanese pair 5 points away from making it 2-1 in this rubber.
Another unforced error. India on the verge of losing their maiden match in this Uber Cup.
12 match point opportunities.
Thats it. Jwala Gutta and Sikki Reddy lose 21-11 21-8 and its 2-1 in India’s favour.
That was India’s first loss in the 2016 Uber Cup.
Match 2: PV Sindhu vs Akane Yamaguchi
It's now up to PV Sindhu to carry on the good work started by Saina Nehwal in the second match against Akane Yamaguchi.
Yamaguchi to serve.
Good start for Yamaguchi. 2-0.
Its 3-3.
Sindhu leads 4-3.
Error at the net gives Sindhu yet another point. 5-3.
Sindhu has the clear upper hand here. 9-3 up.
Oh! Superb down-the-line hit from the Indian. 10-4.
At the interval in the opening game, PV Sindhu leads Akane Yamaguchi 11-5
Lovely hit down the line from Yamaguchi. 7-12
Nice hit from Sindhu on that occasion. Dropping the shuttle in time.7-13
Yamaguchi has reduced the lead to 4. 9-13
Attacks the body on that occasion.10-13
Much needed two points for Sindhu thanks to two unforced errors. 15-10
Wide hit from Yamaguchi. 17-10.
And PV Sindhu wins the opening game 21-11 against Akane Yamaguchi.
What a start this has been for India in this Uber Cup tie. First, Saina puts in a commanding performance and now Sindhu has won her opening game.
Sindhu has begun well in the second game. Up 2-0.
Its 2-2.
Also read: Thomas and Uber Cup 2016:India vs Thailand Quarterfinal: Jwala Gutta/Ashwini Ponnappa vs Puttita Supajirakul/Sapsiree Taerattanachai (1-1): Live badminton score updates (Today’s Match)
Lovely cross court drop shot from Sindhu. 3-2
Nice from PV Sindhu. Down to up, not once but twice. 5-2.
Lead cut to 2. 4-6
Wide from Sindhu on that occasion. 6-8
That is IN. Sindhu leads 9-6
Long from Sindhu on that occasion. 8-10
Long again from the Indian. 9-10
All of a sudden its 10-10. Superb work from the Japanese girl.
At the interval in the second game, PV Sindhu leads Akane Yamaguchi 11-10.
Good start after the interval for Sindhu. 12-10
Sindhu on top here. 14-11.
Wide from Yamaguchi. 15-12
Yamaguchi has cut the lead to 1. 14-15
14-16. Key phase in the game.
What a hit from Sindhu. Cross court and Yamaguchi has no answer. 17-14
Wide from the Indian. 17-15
Unforced error makes it 16-17.
Sindhu makes it 18-16 in her favour.
Sindhu is challenging this. Its 18-17 in her favour and she reckons its in.
But it isn’t. Its 18-18
Vital, vital point for Sindhu. 19-18.
2 match point opportunities. Poor judgement from Yamaguchi.
Thats it. Sindhu beats Yamaguchi 21-11 21-18 to make it 2-0.
Match 1: Saina Nehwal vs Nozomi Okuhara
The biggest match of the lot will kickstart this Uber Cup tie between the two teams and goes without saying that both will be looking to give their respective sides a good start.
It will be Saina to serve.
Okuhara with the early advantage. Leads 2-0.
Saina’s judgement seems a bit off the boil. 3-0 down.
This time she gets it right. 1-3.
Also read: Thomas and Uber Cup 2016:India vs Thailand Quarterfinal: Jwala Gutta/Ashwini Ponnappa vs Puttita Supajirakul/Sapsiree Taerattanachai (1-1): Live badminton score updates (Today’s Match)
Okuhara has begun well here. 4-2 up.
5-3 in favour of Okuhara
Lovely down the line hit from Okuhara. Makes it 7-3.
Much-needed point for Saina. 4-7
Another unforced error. Saina lets out a “COME ON”. 5-7
Saina continues to remain in the hunt. 6-8
Long from Okuhara and Saina has cut the lead to 1. 7-8
And we are level. 8-8. Three straight points.
9-9. Saina’s movements around the court have been good today.
10-10. Already a very exciting contest seems to be emerging.
At the interval in the opening game, Saina trails Okuhara 10-11.
11-11. Early points will be vital for the Indian.
A lovely drop gives Okuhara the lead before Saina pulls a superb shot of her own. 12-12.
Saina in the lead now. 13-12.
Okuhara attacks the body and levels it at 13-13
An unforced error from Saina gives Okuhara the lead. 14-13
The Japanese girl is edging forward here. 15-13.
Another unforced error. 16-13.
16-14.Can Saina get a cluster of points of her own?
17-14
Saina’s reach has been good today.17-15.
Difference only 2.Vital phase in the game this.
Another lovely cross-court drop shot from Okuhara. 18-15.
18-16.Long from Okuhara on that occasion.
Lead cut to one. 17-18
Its 18-18.
Saina in the lead now. 19-18.
2 game point opportunities for the Indian.
Game 1 goes to Saina Nehwal. 21-18
Its 1-1 in the second game
Saina takes the early lead. 2-1.
Saina has begun this second game well. Up 4-2
Wide from Okuhara. She has looked oddly wayward today. Saina up 5-2 now.
Wide from Okuhara again. 7-3.
Saina leading 8-4 now.
Another mishit.Okuhara really struggling here. 9-4
At the interval in the second game, Saina Nehwal leads Nozomi Okuhara 11-4
Okuhara with the first points after the break. 5-11
Long again from Okuhara. 13-5.
Another wide hit. 16-6.
18-6. Saina on fire here. Absolute fire.
19-6.
14 match point opportunities for Saina.
Done and dusted folks. Saina Nehwal makes it 1-0 for India, beats Nozomi Okuhara 21-18 21-6.
What a win from the World Championships silver medalist. Looked very assured and confident around the court.
Also read: Thomas and Uber Cup 2016: India beat Thailand 3-1 in Quarterfinal: Live score badminton updates (Today’s Match)
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the 2016 Thomas and Uber Cup that is being held in the city of Kunshan in China. Both the Men’s and the Women’s team will be playing their final Group matches today.
The Men’s team will take on Indonesia but our focus will be on the Women’s fixture with the Indians finally put to their first full test against a strong Japanese side led by reigning All England champion Nozomi Okuhara. You can catch all the updates LIVE here.
The Saina Nehwal-led side has been in roaring form in the competition so far, with neither her nor PV Sindhu having lost a game thus far and the third Women’s Singles player- Ruthvika Shivani Gadde has also so looked comfortable in whatever matches that she has played.
The experienced doubles pairing of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa won a three-game contest on Tuesday against the German pair while the most thrilling contest of the day came in the second Women’s Doubles tie when Sikki Reddy and Sindhu pulled off a terrific game win over Hertrrich and Volkmann to ensure that the Indians win 5-0 yet again on a second consecutive day.
The last time these tow teams met, it proved to be a very exciting contest with Japan prevailing 3-2 and India will hope to avenge that defeat in 2014 and end the group stage as the toppers.
There is little doubt that three Singles rubbers would be vital and India would ideally hope to win two out of three and then the doubles pairing will have to take up the mantle and help their side enter the quarterfinals on a positive note.
