Horsens (Denmark), April 26: The young Indian women’s team received a massive morale boost with a commanding 4-1 victory over European Championships bronze medallist Ukraine in their second Group A clash here, bouncing back strongly after a narrow 2-3 loss to hosts Denmark in the opener.
The youngsters hit the court with intent on Saturday, with Unnati Hooda setting the tone early as India produced a spirited all-round performance to register its first win of the campaign in emphatic fashion.
India opted to rest former world champion PV Sindhu in singles, handing 2026 Thailand Masters champion Devika Sihag a chance in the third singles, and the youngster delivered in style.
Unnati Hooda set the ball rolling with a thrilling 21-19, 22-20 win over Polina Buhrova before junior world championships silver medallist Tanvi Sharma doubled the lead by defeating Yevheniia Kantemyr 21-12, 17-21, 21-10.
Devika then sealed the tie in emphatic fashion, putting the result beyond doubt with a 23-21, 21-13 victory over Mariia Stoliarenko.
India’s only loss came in the first women’s doubles where Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi lost 11-21, 17-21 against Buhrova and Kantemyr before Sindhu and Tanisha Crasto completed the scoreline with a 21-18, 21-15 win over Stoliarenko and Sofiia Lavrova.
India will now face formidable defending champions China in their final group match on Monday, with a win crucial to keeping alive their hopes of progressing to the quarterfinals. (PTI)
