3 min learnJan 30, 2026 11:24 PM IST
Devika Sihag, the 20-year-old shuttler from Punjab coaching at Bangalore, advantages from her lengthy levers identical to PV Sindhu. However extra crucially, her attacking type opens up choices that may bother the large names in coming years.
On Friday, taking part in the Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters Tremendous 300 at Patumwan, the rangy shuttler got here good in opposition to World No 16 Supanida Katethong to go away behind some irritating months of almost-there outcomes. Devika was 4-9 down in opposition to the Thailand southpaw who has usually troubled Sindhu prior to now, however is at present battling niggles. Nonetheless, the Indian went on a 5 level spree, after which stored the highest seed at arm’s size, selecting the correct stroke to interrupt the 19-19 impasse.
There was an very same flurry within the second to go 10-6 up, and although Katethong went 17-16 forward, Devika confirmed good aggression and calm to complete off on a canter within the second straight set, parrying off an offensive previous the break.
“My first time in opposition to Supanida, and she or he’s ranked World No 16. Successful in opposition to her on her dwelling floor is an effective feeling for me” she informed BAI. Devika began the yr simply contained in the Prime 100, and is at present ranked No 63. She carries the unpredictability and explosiveness of a typical attacking participant, however a lot work has gone into her educated by Indonesian Irwansyah, Vimal Kumar and Sagar Chopda.
She misplaced the Indonesia Masters ultimate final October to Nozomi Okuhara, who additionally handed her a defeat at Malaysia Tremendous 100 pre quarters. Rakshitha Ramraj additionally beat her in three at Syed Modi and she or he went right down to compatriot Shriyanshi Vali Shetty at UAE , however she had a promising win in opposition to Chinese language third string Xin Yan Zheng. Her constant wins over the speedy Isharani Baruah, her coaching mate, additionally level on the potential that mere peak can convey. Her stroke choice is figure in progress.
On Friday, in opposition to the leftie, Devika calmly negotiated the house raucous suppirt. “I used to be not distracted a lot by the group. I simply informed myself I’ve to play my finest at present and provides my one hundred pc with out excited about successful or shedding. The technique that I deliberate with my coaches labored rather well so I’m proud of my efficiency,” she informed BAI.
However the scalp has helped her recover from what she noticed as an obstacle in getting throughout three units – notably to fellow Indians. “First win over a Prime 20 and first semifinal and first Tremendous 300 semifinal. This breakthrough means lots. Previous 3-4 months struggling, shedding shut matches in third set. This meant lots as a result of I may convert. I’m wanting ahead to tomorrow.”
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She performs Taiwanese Huang Yu-Hsun in semis on Saturday, a 22-year-old, ranked No 35. “Taking part in first time in opposition to Huang. She’s an attacking participant, so ailing be extra good at my defence in addition to have the ability to assault extra and convert this match,” she mentioned hoping the counters kick in, and her protection holds. Malaysian Goh Jin Wei, taking part in the opposite semi, is the favorite for the title after Devika knocked out Supanida.
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