Tanvi Sharma ends India's 17-year wait for World Junior Championships medal
Tanvi Sharma of India secured silver medal in women’s singles at World Junior Championships.
Tanvi Sharma of India secured silver medal in women’s singles at World Junior Championships.
Tanvi Sharma of India secured silver medal in women’s singles at World Junior Championships.
Young badminton star Tanvi Sharma ended India's 17-year wait for a medal at the BWF World Junior Championships on Sunday.
The 16-year-old secured silver, following a 7-15, 12-15 loss to second-seed Anyapat Phichitpreechasak of Thailand in the women's singles final in Guwahati.
Saina Nehwal was the last to win a medal at the World Junior Championships, gold in 2008. Nehwal also won a silver in 2006, and before her, Aparna Popat won a silver in 1996.
Tanvi fought hard in the title match, going level at 2 and then 4 points in the first game.
The Thai opponent's deceptive returns forced errors from Tanvi, who trailed 5-10 before a pair of smashes sealed the game for the visitor.
Tanvi took a 6-1 lead in the second game, but a couple of net errors allowed the Thai to close the gap at 5-7. Tanvi maintained a lead, at 8-5, but made unforced errors to allow her opponent into the game.