[UPDATED] Thomas Cup: India clinches first Thomas Cup title, breaks 73-year history

KUALA LUMPUR – India made history today as they clinched their first-ever Thomas Cup title since the world’s most prestigious badminton competition was founded in 1948.

In the most thrilling deciding round, Srikanth Kidambi delivered the third and winning point for India through the second singles match.

The world number 11 defeated eighth-ranked Jonatan Christie through a straightforward 21-15, 23-21 in 48 minutes. 

“Individually we’ve been doing well, but all of us had to come together and perform as a team. Everyone stepped up when it was really required.

“India has never won the Thomas Cup. So, to be part of a team that won just gives me a lot of happiness. 

“Every time you contribute to the team’s win, you always get a different feeling, especially in the final. It’s a great achievement,” said Kidambi.

Earlier, Lakshya Sen gave India an optimistic start in the final stage that was held at the Impact Arena in Bangkok today.

The world number 9 defeated Indonesia’s favourite Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in the first singles match 8-21, 21-17, 21-16 in 65 minutes.

“My win is for the team. They’ve been having my back through my bad performances. Not bad, I mean I played well but couldn’t get a win.

“(This time), the strategy was to push him (Ginting) back. I could play drives knowing that the shuttle would stay in and then cover the net,” he said after the game.

India maintained their dominance after the first doubles PAIR Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty won the team’s second point in rubber sets 18-21, 23-21, 21-19 in 73 minutes against Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo-Mohammad Ahsan.

“They were really good with their reflexes but we told ourselves that we need to keep it safe and simple and that’s what we did,” said Shetty.

“We kept our calm. When we were down (by points), it’s okay it will come back slowly,” Rankireddy added. – The Vibes, May 15, 2022