India’s Jagsher Singh Khangurra has assured the country a medal at the ongoing BWF World Junior Championships at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. Khangurra came from behind to beat Yuan-Syue Jhuang of Chinese Taipei to advance to the semifinals and secure at least a bronze medal. He will next face Radithya Bayu Wardhana of Indonesia.
Among the other Indian players, Shaina Manimuthu failed to advance to the semifinals after she lost her quarterfinal tie against 21st-ranked Yi Qin Yin of China. But the Indian, who is ranked 18th among in the world junior rankings, showed a marked improved in the next game. Khangurra, who already has six international medals to his name, was not at his best in the opening game and lost it 6-15. It was a neck-and-neck affair for the large part, and he eventually he took it 17-15. In the deciding game, he continued the good work to win 15-12 and seal a place in the last four. In the previous round, Khangurra made short work of Malaysia’s Lee Qian Chong , wininng in straight games 15-9, 15-8. However, in his Round-of-32 match, his opener, he had a tough outing against Punnatat Prempunpong of Thailand but managed to emerge victorious in three tough games 15-11, 10-15, 17-15. The Indian girl lost the contest 5-15, 8-15. Tanvi Reddy Andlurialso she lost her pre-quarters against Ip Sum Yau 11-15, 6-15.
