Chaliha upsets higher-ranked opponent as India beat Canada 4-1

NEW DELHI: Ashmita Chaliha delivered a stunning performance to upset the higher-ranked Michelle Li, propelling the Indian women's team to a commanding 4-1 victory over Canada in their opening match of the Uber Cup tournament on Saturday.

Chaliha, ranked 53rd in the world, displayed remarkable mental fortitude and resilience as she outplayed world no.

25 Li 26-24 24-22 in a 42-minute opening singles clash. Li, a gold and silver medallist at the 2014 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, is on the comeback trail after undergoing surgery for a meniscus tear on her right knee last August.

The young women's doubles pair of Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra, reigning senior national champions, secured India's second point with a convincing 21-12 21-10 win over Catherine Choi and Jeslyn Chow.

Isharani Baruah's 21-13 21-12 triumph over Wen Yu Zhang gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead.

In the second women's doubles match, Simran Singhi and Ritika Thaker suffered a 19-21 15-21 loss to Canada's Jackie Dent and Crystal. However, national champion Anmol Kharb sealed the comfortable win for India with a 21-15 21-11 victory over Eliana Zhang in the fifth and final match.

The young Indian side faces tougher challenges ahead, with matches against Singapore and China scheduled for Sunday and Tuesday respectively in Group A.

Meanwhile, in the Thomas Cup, India will commence their title defense against Thailand later in the day.

(Inputs from PTI)