India's run in the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships concluded in the quarterfinals on Monday after a 2-1 defeat to Hong Kong in Yatsushiro, Japan.
Strong Start for India
India began the match with a commanding performance in the opening set. Dev Ruparelia and Tanvi Patri gave the team a solid start, helping India to a 22-12 lead after two matches. The doubles combinations then maintained the momentum, securing the set 55-44, according to a release from the tournament organizers.
Hong Kong's Comeback in Second Set
The second set saw a reversal of fortunes as Hong Kong's Can Yee Hei defeated Ruparelia 11-8, and Ip Sum Yau extended the lead to 22-16. The Indian doubles pairs could not close the gap, sending the match into a decider.
Deciding Set Drama
In the third set, Ruparelia once again gave India the lead by beating Chan 11-9, but Ip narrowed the margin to 22-21. The mixed doubles combination of Bjorn Jaison and Dianka Waldia kept India ahead at 33-32 after an 11-11 tie against Cheung Sai Shing and Wing Chi Chu.
Final Set Decides the Tie
However, Tanvi Reddy Andluri and Baruni Parshwal lost their match to Chu and Yi Kiu Yu 5-11, and India could not recover, ultimately losing the set 55-43. This defeat ended India's campaign in the tournament.
