Setback for men, women keep a clean slate

However, the Indian women’s team made nice amends to enter the fourth round when they beat Portugal 3-0. After their two successive wins, it was expected from the Indians led by A. Sharath Kamal to put up some fight but, unfortunately, the higher-ranked Nigerians were up to the task.

Soumyajit Ghosh lost the opening match to Aruna Quadri 11-5, 11-4, 11-3 in what was an abject surrender. But, Sharath stood firm against Segun Toriola and even managed to take a game off his Nigerian opponent before going down 13-15, 6-11, 13-11, 5-11. With two rubbers already down, it was a difficult for the Indians to stage any recovery. 

Anthony Amalraj tried to put up a fight before losing 13-11, 8-11, 9-11, 8-11. It was no surprise that the women’s team had been keeping a clean slate so far and their win over Portugal in the third round. 

Manika showed gumption to stay ahead of Leila mostly and that helped her win with a minimal point 11-5, 7-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9. The 1-0 lead came in handy for India as Mouma Das accounted for Catia Martins 11-5, 11-9, 11-6 and K. Shamini carried on her good form to beat Patricia Maciel 11-1, 11-4, 11-9.