Following their narrow 2-3 defeat at the hands of Japan, India have finished 2nd in Group D, thereby setting up their quarter final clash against Group C toppers Thailand at the 2016 Uber Cup on Thursday. Coming into this tournament, Thailand and India are seeded 4th and 5th respectively, which makes this an absolute neck and neck fixture to watch out for.
Spearheading India’s attack will be ‘Golden Girl’ Saina Nehwal, once again, as she takes on World No. 2 Ratchanok Intanon in a momentous opener at the Kunshan Sports Center Stadium in Jiangsu. Although head-to-head stats favour the more experienced Saina who has won six out of their previous ten encounters, Intanon is currently on a terrific run of form having clinched four successive individual titles in 2016 already.
Next, PV Sindhu will look to continue her unbeaten streak when she faces Busanan Ongbumrungphan in singles, unless the Thai team fields Porntip Buranaprasertsuk for the first time here at Kunshan. Either way, Sindhu will have the upperhand given how consistent she has been so far in the ongoing event.
In doubles, Jwala Gutta – Ashwini Ponappa and Puttita Supajirakul – Sapsiree Taerattanachai are so evenly matched that it’s tough to pick a favourite for their contest. Whoever wins is certain to have a crucial contribution in paving the way for a semi-final qualification for their team.
Ruthvika Shivani Gadde is the undisputed underdog going into the third singles match against Nitchaon Jindapol, but she does hold it in her to cause the odd upset on her day.
Finally, like she’s done so far, PV Sindhu is expected to feature in India’s second doubles game, alongside N Sikki Reddy to compete against Rawinda Prajongjai and Jongkolphan Kititharakul in what might prove to be a decider for which team gets a berth in the last four.
All in all, Thursday’s Uber Cup schedule has some exciting badminton action on offer for every enthusiast of the sport to feast on.
WHERE TO WATCH LIVE?
Thomas and Uber Cup 2016 quarterfinal matches will be broadcast live in India on Star Sports 2/HD 2. Live coverage starts at 1 p.m. local time (10:30 a.m. IST). The online streaming destinations for Thomas and Uber Cup 2016 are starsports.com and Hotstar.
For international viewers, the online streaming is available on the BWF youtube account.
Live Scores: HERE.
