Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo

Colombo, Oct 19: Indian shuttler Tanvi Sharma’s impressive run at the BWF World Junior Championships ended with a silver medal after she was defeated by Thailand’s Anyapat Phichitpreechasak in the women’s singles final on Sunday. The 16-year-old lost 7-15, 12-15 to the second-seeded Thai player.

Tanvi became only the third Indian female shuttler to reach the World Junior final, following former world No.1 Saina Nehwal and Aparna Popat. Her silver marks India’s first medal at the tournament in 17 years, with Saina having won gold in 2008 and silver in 2006, and Aparna claiming silver in 1996.

The match started evenly, with both players tied at 2-2 and then 4-4. Phichitpreechasak’s deceptive front-court returns helped her build a 10-5 lead, eventually taking the first game when Tanvi’s backhand shot went into the net.

In the second game, Tanvi responded strongly, opening a 6-1 lead with precise deep returns. However, net errors allowed the Thai shuttler to close the gap to 5-7. Despite holding an 8-5 lead at the interval, Tanvi faced increasing pressure as Phichitpreechasak leveled and then moved ahead 9-8.

The Thai player extended her advantage to 11-8 with well-constructed points and maintained control with sharp cross-court winners. At 9-13, Tanvi displayed resilience with skillful net play and won a disputed point after a long rally. However, a subsequent wide shot handed her opponent three championship points.

Though Phichitpreechasak sent one shot wide, she sealed the title with a powerful smash, leaving Tanvi with a historic silver and India celebrating her remarkable achievement on the global stage.