Thomas Cup staged the last championship and runner-up battle, Ginting lost to Prannoy
China News Service, Chengdu, May 1 (Reporter Yue Yitong, He Shaoqing and Hao Lingyu) – The final round of the Chengdu 2024 Thomas & Uber Cup group stage commenced on May 1, with India, the champion and runner-up of the last Thomas Cup, going head-to-head against Indonesia to vie for the top spot in the group. The highlight of the day was a thrilling matchup between Indian player Prannoy, ranked ninth in the world, and Indonesian player Ginting, ranked seventh in the world, with Prannoy emerging victorious with a 2:1 score, securing the first victory for the Indian team.
In the previous Thomas Cup, the Indian team achieved a surprising 3-0 victory over the Indonesian team, clinching their first-ever Thomas Cup championship, sparking widespread discussions at the time. Consequently, this year’s highly anticipated showdown between the Indian and Indonesian teams has attracted significant attention.
Following his victory, Prannoy expressed in an interview that the match was challenging as he was up against a formidable opponent who is among the top players globally. “Despite losing the first game, I reminded myself in the second game that my opponent is prone to errors as well. I had to maintain my belief in myself and the unwavering trust from my team to persevere and claim this crucial point,” Prannoy shared.
On the other hand, Ginting acknowledged Prannoy’s stellar performance and expressed his intentions to give it his all in his role as the team’s second singles player. “Regardless of being the first or second singles player, we must approach each match with a clear mind and a determination to put forth our best effort,” Ginting stated.
The competition between India and Indonesia continues to heat up, with both teams showcasing exceptional skill and sportsmanship as they vie for victory in the prestigious Thomas Cup.