The Guwahati Masters 2024 concluded with a thrilling display of world-class badminton, as India celebrated two major victories in the tournament. The event, part of the BWF Super 100 series, saw top shuttlers from across the globe vying for glory. However, it was the outstanding performances of Ashwini Ponnappa, Tanisha Crasto, and Sathish Karunakaran that stole the show on the final day.
Women’s Doubles: Ashwini and Tanisha Reign Supreme
Top-seeded pair Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto lived up to their billing by retaining their women’s doubles crown in style. The duo, who entered the tournament as defending champions, maintained their unbeaten streak throughout the competition.
In the final, they faced a strong challenge from the People’s Republic of China’s Li Hua Zhou and Wang Zi Meng. However, the Indian pair displayed exceptional coordination and composure, clinching a straight-games victory, 21-18, 21-12, in just 43 minutes. Their consistent performances, marked by precise smashes and sharp net play, showcased why they are among the best in the circuit.
This win not only solidified their position as one of the premier women’s doubles teams but also marked a significant milestone for Indian badminton. Retaining a Super 100 title is no small feat, and Ashwini and Tanisha have set the bar high for future competitions.
Men’s Singles: Sathish Karunakaran Adds Another Feather to His Cap
The last match of the day saw India’s Sathish Karunakaran, the third seed, scripting a memorable victory against China’s Zhu Xuan Chen. Sathish, who previously won his first Super 100 title earlier this year, added a second to his growing list of accolades with a convincing 21-17, 21-14 triumph.
Sathish’s game was a masterclass in precision and power. His ability to dominate rallies, combined with his unyielding defense, left his opponent struggling to keep up. With this victory, Sathish has firmly established himself as a rising star in men’s singles badminton, bringing hope for more laurels in the future.
Other Final Results
- Men’s Doubles: Malaysia’s Chia Weijie and Lwi Sheng Hao staged a remarkable comeback to defeat China’s Huang Di and Liu Yang in a three-game thriller, 20-22, 21-15, 21-17.
- Women’s Singles: India’s Anmol Kharb put up a valiant fight but narrowly lost to China’s Cai Yan Yan, who won 21-14, 13-21, 19-21 after an intense battle.
- Mixed Doubles: China’s dominance in the mixed doubles continued as Zhang Han Yu and Bao Li Jing outplayed England’s Rory Easton and Lizzie Tolman with a straight-games victory, 21-15, 21-16.
A Tournament to Remember
The Guwahati Masters 2024 was a testament to the growing stature of Indian badminton on the global stage. The victories of Ashwini Ponnappa, Tanisha Crasto, and Sathish Karunakaran reflect the depth of talent and determination within the Indian camp.
While China continued to assert its dominance in several categories, India’s performances in the women’s doubles and men’s singles added a layer of excitement to the competition. The home crowd in Guwahati provided unwavering support, turning the arena into a cauldron of energy and passion.
Looking Ahead
As the badminton calendar progresses, these victories will serve as motivation for Indian shuttlers to aim higher in upcoming tournaments. With a mix of seasoned players like Ashwini and promising stars like Sathish, India is poised for greater achievements in international badminton.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants for making Guwahati Masters 2024 an unforgettable event!
The Momma Clan 
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