Ashwini Ponnappa-Tanisha Crasto Triumph in Guwahati Masters Super 100 Women’s Doubles
In a remarkable display of skill and teamwork, Indian women’s doubles pair Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa claimed their second Super 100 title by defeating Chinese Taipei’s Sung Shuo Yun and Yu Chien Hui at the Guwahati Masters. The second-seeded Indian duo secured a straight-game victory, dominating the final with a scoreline of 21-13, 21-19 in a 40-minute encounter.
Impressive Run for the Indian Pair
The world no. 28 Indian pair showcased their prowess early in the match, taking a significant lead of 6-2 in the opening game. With a commanding 11-7 advantage at the interval, Ashwini and Tanisha continued to dominate the rallies, leaving their opponents trailing. The duo’s strategic play and coordination on the court were evident as they maintained control throughout the match.
Despite the Indian pair’s strong start, the Taiwanese duo initiated a fightback, narrowing the gap to 11-12. The match saw moments of tension as Sung Shuo Yun and Yu Chien Hui drew parity at 16-16 and 19-19. However, Ashwini and Tanisha remained composed, overcoming the challenge and securing the required two points to seal the victory.
Ashwini Ponnappa, a veteran in Indian badminton, and 20-year-old Tanisha Crasto formed their doubles partnership in January this year. The duo has quickly established themselves as a formidable team, claiming three titles in 2023, including the Abu Dhabi Masters Super 100 and Nantes International Challenge.
Ashwini’s Reflection on the Win
Following the victory, Ashwini expressed her satisfaction with their performance, emphasizing their focus, determination, and effective execution of plans. She highlighted their complementary playing styles, with Tanisha’s proficiency at the nets and her own strength in smashes from the back court.
Ashwini Ponnappa, previously paired with Jwala Gutta, achieved significant success, including a World Championships bronze in 2011 and gold and silver medals at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games. After parting ways with Sikki Reddy in 2021, Ashwini found success with Tanisha, marking a new chapter in her illustrious career.
Tanisha Crasto, originally from Dubai, joined the Indian badminton circuit in 2018, representing Goa in domestic competitions. After partnering with Ashwini, she has seen a meteoric rise, culminating in their recent triumph at the Guwahati Masters.
