Bangkok: India registered a 4-1 victory over Canada in the Uber Cup opening Group-D tie on Sunday here at the Impact Arena. Ace shuttler P V Sindhu gave a perfect start to India with an easy win over Michelle Li and earned 1-0 lead. But, the doubles pairing of Shruti Mishra and Simran Singhi were unable to match up to Rachel Honderich and Kristen Tsai and the Canadians levelled the tie. Aakarshi Kashyap helped India retain the lead and put India on the verge of victory with a hard-fought win over Zhang Wen Yu. Then, women’s pair of Tanisha Crasto and Treesa Jolly sealed the tie for India with convincing win over Catherine Choi and Josephine Wu. Followed by young Ashmita Chaliha’s win in three sets against Rachel Chan. Sindhu prevailed over Michelle in straight sets 21-17, 21-10. The women’s doubles pair of Shruti and Simran lost 19-21, 12-21 to the Canadians. The 20-year-old Aakarshi managed to win a close match 17-21, 21-18, 21-17 against Zhang. Then, Tanisha and Treesa sealed the deal with their convincing 21-9, 21-15 win over Catherine and Josephine. In the last singles match, young Chaliha registered a come-from-behind 12-21, 21-11, 22-20 victory against Chan to make it 4-1 against Canada. India will next play the USA in their second group stage encounter to strengthen their chance to enter the playoffs. UNI BAV
