In a series of interesting events, India's top women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand pulled off a big upset at the ongoing BWF World Championship in Delhi. Ranked World No. 39, the Indian duo surprised the 16th ranked American duo of Lauren Lam and Allison Quynh Lee with a strong straight-game win.
Jolly and Gopichand took only 38 minutes to wrap up the clash 21-15, 21-12, becoming the first Indian duo at this edition to secure a place in the pre-quarterfinals. The win also marked a personal milestone for the pair as they reached this stage of the World Championships for the first time in their playing career.
Jolly-Gopichand dominate American duo
The unseeded Indian duo of Jolly and Gopichand dropped an attacking show against USA's Lauren and Allison in the women's doubles contest. The Indian duo dictated the game right from the start and rarely allowed their opponents an opportunity to settle into the game. Jolly repeatedly troubled the American pair with her powerful smashes, while Gayatri complemented her partner with excellent court coverage and well-timed drop shots.
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Their contrasting strengths proved too difficult for Lam and Lee to handle as the Indian pair in stayed in command through the contest.
India suffer defeats in mixed doubles
India endured a tough outing in the mixed doubles on Day 2, with two pairs making exits. Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani went down to Canada's Jonathan Lai and Crystal Lai following a closely contested three-game battle, losing 22-20, 19-21, 17-21. Asith Surya and Amrutha Prmuthesh were also engaged in a close clash but suffered a narrow 21-16, 29-30, 22-24 defeat against their Turkish opponents, bringing their campaign to an end in the opening round.
With both mixed doubles pairs knocked out, India's attention will now turn towards Lakshya Sen, who is set to kick off his campaign in the World Championships on the evening of August 18 and will look to make a strong start.