India's rising badminton star Tanvi Sharma stands on the cusp of claiming her second title this year after securing a commanding victory in the semifinals of the Guwahati Masters 2024 on Saturday. The junior World No. 1 displayed exceptional skill to defeat Japan's third seed, Hina Akechi, in straight games, booking her place in the summit clash.
Tanvi Sharma's Dominant Path to the Final
In a semifinal match that lasted 42 minutes, Tanvi Sharma outplayed her Japanese opponent with scores of 21-18, 21-16. This victory propels her into the final where she will face Tung Ciou-Tong of Chinese Taipei. Tung secured her spot after a hard-fought comeback win against local favourite Ashmita Chaliha, with a scoreline of 12-21, 21-17, 21-14.
Tanvi's form in 2024 has been remarkable. Following her silver medal at the World Junior Championship in October at this same venue, she recently clinched a third-place finish at the Syed Modi International. Her year also includes a triumph at the Denmark Challenge and a runner-up finish at the US Open. A win on Sunday would be a perfect send-off before she heads to Cuttack for the Odisha Masters.
All-Indian Affair in Men's Singles Final
In a thrilling development for home fans, the men's singles final will be an all-Indian contest. Sanskar Saraswat and Mithun Manjunath both registered straight-game victories in their respective semifinals to set up the title clash.
Saraswat overcame a tough challenge from Indonesia's Dendi Triansyah, winning 21-19, 21-19. Meanwhile, Mithun Manjunath sealed his final berth by defeating compatriot Tushar Suveer 22-20, 21-8 in another 42-minute encounter. Manjunath, who put up a fighting performance before losing to Kidambi Srikanth in the Syed Modi International semifinals, will be eager to win his first BWF Super 100 title.
Doubles Action: Mixed Results for Indian Contingent
The Indian campaign in doubles categories saw mixed outcomes. The top-seeded men's doubles pair of Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy and Sai Pratheek cruised into the final. They defeated Indonesia's Prasetya Anselmus and Ramadhan Pulung 21-16, 22-20 in 38 minutes. They will now face Malaysia's Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing for the championship.
However, there was heartbreak in the mixed doubles semifinals. India's top seeds Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde narrowly missed a finals berth after a grueling 59-minute battle. They lost to Thailand's Tanadon Punpanichi and Fungfa Korpthammakit 15-21, 21-19, 17-21. The Thai pair will meet Indonesia's Marwan Faza and Aisyah Salsabila Putri Pranata in the final.
In women's doubles, the Indian duo of Ashwini Bhat and Shikha Gautam were defeated by Malaysia's Ong Xin Yee and Carmen Ting 21-14, 21-10. The Malaysian pair will contest the final against Indonesia's Isyana Syahira Meida and Rinjani Kwinnara Nastine.
All eyes will now be on Sunday's finals, where Tanvi Sharma will lead India's charge for glory on home soil at the Guwahati Masters.
