Devika Sihag Claims Breakthrough Win Over Top Seed Supanida Katethong at Thailand Masters
In a stunning display of skill and determination, 20-year-old Indian badminton player Devika Sihag secured her first-ever victory over a Top 20 opponent by defeating world No. 16 Supanida Katethong at the Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters Super 300. This significant win marks a major milestone in Sihag's career, propelling her into the semifinals of the tournament held in Patumwan.
Overcoming Early Challenges to Secure Victory
Facing the top-seeded Thai southpaw, Sihag initially found herself trailing 4-9 in the first set. However, she rallied with a remarkable five-point spree, demonstrating resilience and strategic play. The match reached a tense 19-19 deadlock, but Sihag's precise stroke selection allowed her to break through and claim the set. In the second set, she built an early 10-6 lead and maintained her composure despite Katethong briefly taking a 17-16 advantage. Sihag's aggressive yet calm approach enabled her to finish strongly, winning in straight sets.
"Winning against her on her home ground is a good feeling for me," Sihag told the Badminton Association of India (BAI), reflecting on her debut encounter with Katethong. "This breakthrough means a lot. Past 3-4 months struggling, losing close matches in third set. This meant a lot because I could convert."
Training and Development Under Expert Coaches
Hailing from Punjab and training in Bangalore, Devika Sihag has been honing her skills under the guidance of coaches Vimal Kumar, Indonesian Irwansyah, and Sagar Chopda since last year. Her tall frame and long levers draw comparisons to Indian badminton star PV Sindhu, but it is her attacking style that sets her apart. This approach has been refined through consistent training, helping her overcome recent frustrations with near-miss results.
Currently ranked world No. 63, Sihag started the year just inside the Top 100. Her journey has included notable performances, such as reaching the Indonesia Masters final last October, where she lost to Nozomi Okuhara. Despite setbacks against players like Rakshitha Ramraj and Shriyanshi Vali Shetty, she has shown promise with wins over competitors like Chinese shuttler Xin Yan Zheng and training mate Isharani Baruah.
Focus and Strategy for Future Matches
Sihag's victory was not just about skill but also mental fortitude. She remained unfazed by the home crowd support for Katethong, stating, "I was not distracted much by the crowd. I just told myself I have to play my best today and give my 100 percent without thinking about winning or losing." Her ability to execute pre-planned strategies with her coaches played a crucial role in this triumph.
Looking ahead, Sihag is set to face Taiwanese player Huang Yu-Hsun in the semifinals. Ranked world No. 35, Huang presents a new challenge as an attacking player. Sihag expressed her readiness, saying, "Playing first time against Huang. She's an attacking player, so I'll be more good at my defence as well as be able to attack more and convert this match." With top seed Katethong eliminated, Malaysian shuttler Goh Jin Wei emerges as the favorite for the title in the other semifinal.
This win not only boosts Sihag's confidence but also highlights her potential to climb the world rankings and make a mark in international badminton. Her journey from near-misses to a Top 20 scalp underscores the dedication and hard work invested in her training, setting the stage for more exciting performances in the future.
