India Storm Into Thomas Cup 2026 Semifinals With Dominant 3-0 Win Over Chinese Taipei
India, former champions of the tournament, delivered a clinical performance to seal the tie early. Lakshya Sen provided the breakthrough in the opening singles match with a thrilling comeback win over Chou Tien Chen, winning 18-21, 22-20, 21-17 in a hard-fought 88-minute encounter.
Sen showed remarkable composure, saving three match points in the second game before forcing a decider. He then dominated the final game with sharp net play and powerful smashes to give India a crucial 1-0 lead.
India’s top doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty further strengthened the lead with a gritty three-game victory over Chiu Hsiang Chieh and Wang Chi-Lin.
The Indian pair edged a tense opening game 23-21 after trailing 18-20, before narrowly losing the second 19-21. However, they dominated the decider 21-12, showcasing their experience and composure under pressure to put India 2-0 ahead.
Aiyush Shetty sealed India’s semifinal berth with a straight-game victory over Lin Chun-Yi, winning 21-16, 21-17 in the second singles match.
His composed performance ensured India secured an unassailable 3-0 lead, rendering the remaining matches inconsequential.
India will now face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between France and Japan in the semifinals, scheduled for Saturday. The tournament final is set to take place the following day.
India’s consistent performances in recent editions underline their growing stature in global badminton. The team had reached the semifinals in 2022 for the first time in over four decades, having previously made the last four in 1952, 1955, and 1979.
This latest victory reinforces India’s position as a strong contender for the title, with a balanced squad delivering across singles and doubles formats.
India’s dominant 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei highlights their depth and resilience in high-pressure knockout matches. With key players stepping up at crucial moments, the team heads into the semifinals with confidence and momentum.
Our Final Thoughts
India’s performance in this quarterfinal reflects a well-rounded team effort, combining experience with emerging talent. Lakshya Sen’s resilience under pressure set the tone, while the doubles pair of Satwik and Chirag once again proved why they are among the world’s best. Aiyush Shetty’s clinical finish further highlighted India’s bench strength. As the team prepares for the semifinals, maintaining consistency will be key against stronger opponents. If the current momentum continues, India has a strong chance of pushing for another historic Thomas Cup triumph.