The atmosphere in Guwahati was electric on Sunday afternoon as India’s rising star, Tanvi Sharma, and Thailand’s formidable Anyapat Phichitpreechasak prepared for their showdown in the World Junior Badminton Championships final. On adjacent practice courts at the National Centre of Excellence, Tanvi focused intently on her pre-match routine, receiving encouraging high-fives from her teammates and heartfelt blessings from local officials. Phichitpreechasak, in contrast, maintained a serene, uninterrupted focus.
Just ninety minutes later, under the intense gaze of a packed Centre Court, the second-seeded Thai shuttler delivered a masterful performance. She clinically overpowered the top-seeded Indian, securing a decisive 15-7, 15-12 victory in a swift 28 minutes. This triumph cemented Phichitpreechasak’s place in history as the third Thai female athlete to claim this prestigious title, following in the footsteps of legends like Ratchanok Intanon (2009-11) and Pitchamon Opatniput (2023).
The 17-year-old Phichitpreechasak displayed an exquisite blend of wristy precision and elegant, balletic movement across the court. Her dynamic style proved too challenging for Tanvi’s typically deceptive game.
Reflecting on the match, Tanvi candidly admitted, “She was reading my shots incredibly well. I tried many deceptive plays, but she always seemed to anticipate where the shuttle was going.” Despite the loss, Tanvi proudly stands as the third Indian woman to medal in the event, joining Aparna Popat (silver in 1996) and Saina Nehwal (silver in 2006, gold in 2008).
Graceful Victory: Anyapat Phichitpreechasak’s fluid movement and skillful wrist play ultimately outmaneuvered Tanvi.
The opening game saw a competitive start, but Phichitpreechasak quickly asserted her dominance, reeling off seven consecutive points to establish a commanding 13-5 lead. Her exquisite net play and perfectly timed drop shots consistently kept the Indian under pressure.
In the second game, the talented teenager from Hoshiarpur attempted to alter her strategy, even trying a short serve instead of her usual toss serve, desperately seeking to surprise her Thai rival. Tanvi initially surged ahead, leading 6-1. However, Phichitpreechasak mounted an incredible comeback, leveling the score at 8-8 and never looking back, ultimately clinching the title.
A Bittersweet Outcome: Tanvi Sharma reflects on her hard-fought silver medal.
In the boys’ singles final, China’s Liu Yang Ming Yu, under the tutelage of former Olympic and World Champion Chen Long, secured his title by defeating top-seeded Indonesian Mohd. Zaki Ubaidillah with scores of 15-10, 15-11.
Hosting the World Junior Championships for the first time in 17 years, India concluded the tournament with a commendable two medals: a historic bronze in the team event, their first ever, and Tanvi Sharma’s well-deserved silver in the girls’ singles.
Final Results:
Singles:
- Girls: Anyapat Phichitpreechasak (Thailand) defeated Tanvi Sharma (India) 15-7, 15-12
- Boys: Liu Yang Ming Yu (China) defeated Mohd. Zaki Ubaidillah (Indonesia) 15-10, 15-11
Doubles:
- Girls: Tan Ke Xuan & Wei Yue Yue (China) defeated Zi Yu Low & Noraqilah Maisarah (Malaysia) 15-13, 19-17
- Boys: Chen Jun Ting & Liu Jun Rong (China) defeated Cho Hyeong Woo & Hyeong Woo Lee (Korea) 16-14, 15-12
- Mixed: Lee Hyeong Woo & Cheon Hye In (Korea) defeated Hung Bing Fu & Chou Yun An (Chinese Taipei) 15-9, 11-15, 15-10