Lack of singles options exposed as Japan beat India

Outplayed by Japan in the deciding singles and doubles,the Indian women’s team had to suffer a crushing thud after Monday’s high against Hong Kong,as they went down 4-1 in their Uber Cup (Asia Zone) opener in Nakornratchasima,Thailand on Tuesday. The feared lack of depth in singles got exposed even as both doubles teams fought in vain after Saina Nehwal had benefitted from an injury retirement to Ai Goto after picking the opening set 21-13,putting India 1-0 ahead.

In an hour-long battle,Aparna Balan and Shruti Kurian watched their opponents Mami Naito and Shizuka Matsuo step up the attack in the decider as they fell away during the 18-21,21-17,14-21 loss in the first doubles. Bigger disappointment followed in the form of Trupti Murgunde’s failure to make good a 16-7 second-set lead she enjoyed against Sayaka Sato,as she lost 21-16,21-19 in just over 30 minutes.

There were high hopes from the doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa,but Ashwini’s lack of equal experience on the front-court saw the Indian tandem go down 21-13 13-21 21-12 to Iyuki Maeda and Satoko Suetsuna. In the inconsequential fifth tie,Gayatri Vartak was no match for Eriko Hirose,losing 21-12 21-7 in 25 minutes.

After swatting away Cambodia 5-0 — the longest match of the tie lasted a trifle 17 minutes — the Indian men will now take on hosts Thailand in the toughest of their group contests.