Tanvi Sharma’s brave run ends with silver as she falls to second-seeded Thai in BWF World Junior Championships final

Tanvi became only the third Indian female shuttler, after former world No.1 Saina Nehwal and Aparna Popat to reach the final of this tournament. However, she went down 7-15, 12-15 to the second seed from Thailand. With this result, Tanvi finished with a silver medal, India’s first at the World Junior Championships in 17 years. Before her, only Saina (gold in 2008, silver in 2006) and Aparna (silver in 1996) had reached the podium at this event.

The final started closely, with both players tied at 2-2 and then 4-4, mainly due to unforced errors on both sides. But Phichitpreechasak started to take control with tricky returns at the net, pulling ahead to 10-5 as Tanvi struggled to respond.

A couple of sharp smashes from Phichitpreechasak and a wide shot from Tanvi brought her close to taking the first game, which was ended soon after when Tanvi’s backhand hit the net.

After switching sides, Tanvi came out strong, taking a 6-1 lead with some solid deep shots. But once again, small mistakes crept in. Two net errors gave Phichitpreechasak the chance to cut the lead to 5-7.

Though Tanvi led 8-5 at the mid-game break, the Thai started pushing her to the front court, forcing more errors. The scores were soon level, and then Phichitpreechasak took a 9-8 lead after a smash from Tanvi found the net.

The Thai followed up with a smash down the line and another well-placed point to move up to 11-8. She began dominating the rallies, adding to her lead with a lucky net cord to make it 12-8. Tanvi did manage a delicate shot to stop the run, but the Thai's sharp cross-court winners kept her in control.

At 9-13, Tanvi tried to fight back with some clever play. She won a long rally that included a disputed point, but then hit one wide, giving her opponent three match points.

Phichitpreechasak hit the first one wide, but moments later, she smashed her way to victory, securing the title.