Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 22: India's Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand signed off with a historic bronze medal after losing to defending champions Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning of China 21-18, 13-21, 8-21 in the women's doubles semifinals of the World Championships in New Delhi on Saturday.
Despite the semifinal defeat, Treesa and Gayatri became the first Indian women's doubles pair in 15 years to win a World Championships medal, since Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa claimed bronze in 2011.
The Indian pair produced a memorable run on home soil, defeating fourth seeds Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian in the quarterfinals to assure themselves of a medal. It was a particularly significant achievement for Treesa, who had been sidelined for three months earlier this year due to an ankle injury.
The Indians entered the semifinals hoping to become the first Indian women's doubles pair to reach a World Championships final. However, the top-seeded Chinese duo proved too strong in the deciding game and ended their historic campaign.
Fuelled by a roaring home crowd, Treesa and Gayatri made a bright start, racing to a 4-1 lead. Liu and Tan quickly fought back, reducing the deficit to 5-7 before a net foul from the Indians helped the Chinese level at 7-all.
The top seeds then moved ahead and took an 11-7 lead into the mid-game interval as unforced errors began to creep into the Indian game.
Treesa and Gayatri responded strongly after the break, using sharp net play and forcing errors from their opponents to reduce the deficit to 11-12. Treesa's aggressive backcourt play helped India regain momentum, including during a thrilling 31-shot rally.
Liu and Tan regained a 16-13 advantage, but the Indian pair fought back again to level at 16-all. In a tense finish, the Indians produced a series of precise shots and strong court coverage to earn game point before closing out the opening game 21-18.
The Chinese pair started the second game aggressively, taking a 5-2 lead. Treesa and Gayatri remained composed and gradually fought their way back, eventually taking an 11-10 lead at the interval.
Liu and Tan responded immediately after the break. A marathon 49-shot rally proved crucial as the Chinese pair regained the advantage. They then reeled off five straight points to establish a 17-12 lead before winning the game 21-13 and forcing a decider.
The third game remained competitive only in its early stages. After the score reached 2-all, Liu and Tan stepped up their attacking game and opened a 6-2 lead.
Treesa and Gayatri briefly reduced the deficit with clever net interventions, but the Chinese top seeds maintained control and led 11-5 at the mid-game interval.
After the change of sides, Liu and Tan extended their advantage to 15-5. The Indians continued to fight but were unable to halt the Chinese charge, with the defending champions eventually closing out the decider 21-8.
The defeat ended India's hopes of a women's doubles finalist at the championships, but Treesa and Gayatri's bronze marked a significant milestone for Indian badminton and their biggest career achievement to date.