Indian shuttler Tanisha Crasto, born in Dubai, is just one victory away from claiming a World Championship medal in Paris, having reached the mixed doubles quarterfinals at the age of 22.
In a remarkable performance, Tanisha and her partner Dhruv Kapila defeated the fifth-seeded Hong Kong duo, Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet, with a score of 21-15, 21-15 in Thursday’s round of 16.
The Indian pair will now face Malaysia’s Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei in the quarterfinals on Friday, aiming to become the first Indian mixed doubles team to secure a World Championships medal.
On Thursday, Tanisha and Kapila’s powerful gameplay left the experienced bronze medallists Man and Suet struggling in Paris.
“Tanisha’s serves were exceptional today, overwhelming for Man and Suet. Kapila excelled with his aggressive play,” said Clifford Crasto, Tanisha’s father and initial coach, in an interview with the Khaleej Times.
Clifford, residing in Dubai with his family, is optimistic about Friday’s crucial quarterfinal match.
“If they maintain today’s momentum, I foresee a win against the Malaysians tomorrow (Friday),” Clifford commented.
Having debuted at the Paris Olympics last year, Tanisha could secure a bronze by winning Friday’s match, as reaching the semifinals guarantees a medal.
Simultaneously, Indian singles ace PV Sindhu kept her hopes for a sixth World Championships medal alive with an impressive 21-19, 21-15 victory over China’s world number two Wang Zhiyi in Thursday’s round of 16.
In her first triumph over a top-five player in over two years, the 30-year-old showcased a classic attacking style, sealing the win in just 48 minutes.
“On the court, Wang was just another competitor. From the outset, I knew every match would be tough. I aimed to give my all,” said Sindhu, who has been working to regain her form post a 2023 injury.
“While Wang Zhi Yi is an excellent player, my focus was on consistency and keeping the shuttle in play. I anticipated long rallies and was ready for her pace changes and powerful smashes,” explained Sindhu.
Sindhu, the 2019 world champion and double Olympic medalist, will compete against Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani on Friday for a semifinal spot.
“I focus on one match at a time. It’s not over. I plan to return stronger tomorrow and be ready for anything,” she stated.
