39th-ranked India women's doubles duo Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand beat seventh-seed Japanese pair Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi in straight games 21-16, 21-12 to advance to the quarterfinals of BWF Badminton World Championships 2026 at Indira Gandhi Arena, Delhi, on August 20.
In the first game, both sides had 16 points each. But, the smashes from Indian players led to five consecutive points. In the second game, the hosts eased past their opponents to make it to the next round.
Coaches all out attack strategy works
It was an action-filled Round of 16 match as the Indian pair resorted to an attacking game to counter the Japanese. There was a moment when Treesa and Gayatri were frustrated with their opponent's conduct and the chair umpire did not pay heed to it.
ALSO READ: ACB revokes Noor Ahmad's CPL 2026 NOC, St Lucia Kings name in-form New Zealand opener as replacement
“Our coaches asked us to switch the game play and attack more. So, once we started attacking, it became much better for us,” said Gayatri as quoted by The Indian Express.
“Once we started, it took us two-three points to understand the game and it eventually got better.”
Gayatri also revealed that the two were rotating. They switched tactics as she switched to front court instead of back court. The unpredictable nature of the Indian duo left the Japanese pair confused as they couldn’t recover in the second game.
Treesa show yellow card
A frustrated Treesa was even shown a yellow card by the referee over shuttle abuse. The official said that Treesa had squeezed the shuttle.
However, legendary coach Pullela Gopichand calmed Treesa down, telling her to focus on the attacking game. The crowd got behind the Indian pair and the Japanese duo panicked under pressure. The Indian pair won the second game with ease.
“Nerves were up there for us and I didn’t understand what happened. However, it’s okay and our coaches immediately calmed us down,” said Treesa.
Who will Treesa, Gayatri face next?
The duo are now one win away from assuring a medal. In the quarterfinal round, they will go up against China's Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian. The Chinese pair are ranked fourth in world rankings.