India stun Hong Kong 4-1, are a step from semis

Strong contenders Japan have won all the three league matches and are favourites to maintain there cent per cent record against Hong Kong tomorrow. All the four semifinalists would join hosts Indonesia and defending champions China in the finals.

The Indians were given a flying start by Popat, who has not lost a single match so far, thrashing Wan Ting Ling 11-3, 11-6. The 1998 Commonwealth Games silver medallist took full advantage of the absence of world No.4 Wang Chen, who opted out due to injury, to put India in the driver’s seat in just 18 minutes.

The experienced B R Meenakshi then crushed Ng Ka-Shuu 11-1, 11-5 in just within 25 minutes to increase the lead to 2-0. The result was confirmed beyond doubt when Trupti Murgunde stepped on to the court to send Yip Pui-Yin packing 11-9, 11-2 in 32 minutes.

But the ‘dead rubber’ syndrome seemed to catch up with the Indians in the first doubles as the pair of Shruti Kurien and Jwala Gutta surrendered to Koon Wai Chee and Li Wing Mui 6-15, 12-15.