Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: India’s mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto’s impressive run at the BWF World Championships ended in pre-quarters after a straight-game loss to the Malaysian duo of Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei in Paris on August 29. Dhruv-Tanisha, who were just one win away from becoming the first Indian mixed doubles duo to secure a medal at the World Championships, suffered a 15-21, 13-21 loss against the Malaysians. This is the best-ever show for the Indians at a major event so far.
The 16th seeded India duo, who received a bye in the opening round, began their Badminton World Championships campaign with a comprehensive win over Irish duo Joshua Magee and Moya Ryan. They then pulled off an upset against fifth-seeded Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong, China. Coming from behind, after losing the opening game, the Indians held their calm and composure to seal the tie 19-21, 21-12, 21-15 to reach the quarterfinals.
But their fairy-tale campaign came to an end in the last 16 stage after going down the Malaysians. Despite trying their best, the Indian duo failed to counter the powerful smashes and brilliant net play of their Malaysian rivals