Shah Alam (Malaysia): After Indian women registered a thrilling victory over China in a close encounter, the Indian men's team thrashed Hong Kong in their opening game by 4-1 to advance to the next stage of the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024 here on Wednesday.
The Indian contingent once again sent out their leader, HS Prannoy, world rank No.7, for the first encounter, but he looked rusty and failed to display his best show against his Hong Kong rival Ng Ka Long Angus, who secured an easy victory in two straight sets of 21-18, 21-14 to give an upper hand to his side with the first point.
The 31-year-old’s defeat though would prove to be the only hiccup for the Indian side as the opponent faced a dominant showing from the Men's team. India went on to sweep the rest of the opposition away in four matches in a row to clinch the tie 4-1 for India.
The unstoppable Satwik Sairaj and Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty duo, who have recently received Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, outclassed the opposition pair of Lui Chun Wai and Yeung Shing Choi and dismissed the Hong Kong duo in two straight sets by 21-16, 21-11.
Lakshya Sen, who was up next, followed suit and bagged a comprehensive win over Chan Yin Chak with ease in two sets by 21-14, 21-9 to make way for the next match-up, providing India an edge in the tie.