Achi news desk-
Guwahati: Assam’s Ashmita Haliha produced a sensational performance in the opening match of the Uber Cup, leading the Indian women’s team to a 4-1 win over Canada on Saturday. In the next singles match, Israni Barua strengthened India’s lead by overcoming Wen Yu Zhang 21-13 21-12, giving the Indian team an insurmountable 3-0 lead.
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Halia’s stunning victory over the higher ranked Michelle Lee set the tone for the team’s impressive start to the tournament. Currently ranked 53rd in the world, Cheliha showed extraordinary skill and determination as she defeated world number 25 Michelle Lee in a single 42-minute match. Halia’s 26-24 24-22 victory was a significant turnaround over the experienced Lee, a gold and silver medalist at the 2014 and 2022 Commonwealth Games.
India’s second point came from the young doubles pair of Priya Kunjangbam and Shruti Mishra, who showed their mettle by defeating Catherine Choi and Jacelyn Chow 21-12 21-10. Canada managed to get its first point in the second women’s doubles match, where Simran Singhi and Ritika Thacker fell to Jackie Dent and Crystal 19-21 15-21. However, India’s Anmul Khareb sealed victory for the team with a decisive 21-15 21-11 win over Aliana Zhang in the fifth and final match.
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The Indian women’s team now faces tougher opposition in Group A, with matches against Singapore and China scheduled for Sunday and Tuesday, respectively. Meanwhile, in the Thomas Cup, the Indian men’s team will begin their title defense against Thailand later today.
