BWF World Championships: Chinese pair Liu-Tan edge past Gayatri-Treesa in semi-final, Indian duo settles for bronze

The Indian duo, who were once ranked inside the top 10, gave the Chinese a tough fight before going down 21-18, 13-21, 8-21 in a contest lasting one hour and 11 minutes at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.

With their bronze medal, Gayatri and Treesa ensured India's record of winning at least one medal in every edition of the World Championships continued.

Playing in front of a packed home crowd, the world No. 39 Indian pair started aggressively and stunned the defending champions by taking the opening game.

Treesa led the charge with her attacking approach, finding success with powerful smashes from both the front and back court, while Gayatri provided strong support with her sharp movements and control in the midcourt.

The Indians showed tremendous composure in the first game, fighting back from 15-18 down to win six consecutive points and seal the game 21-18.

However, Liu and Tan responded strongly in the second game. The Chinese pair changed their approach, focused on longer rallies and waited for opportunities instead of forcing attacks.

At 12-12, the defending champions shifted gears and won eight straight points to take the second game 21-13, putting the match back on level terms.

The momentum remained with the Chinese pair in the decider as they controlled proceedings and prevented Gayatri and Treesa from recreating their first-game intensity. Liu and Tan closed out the third game 21-8 to enter the final.

Despite the defeat, the performance marked a significant achievement for Gayatri and Treesa, who entered the tournament as an unseeded pair and defeated several top opponents on their way to the semi-finals.

The bronze medal also highlights the continued rise of Indian women's doubles badminton on the global stage, with the pair proving they can challenge the best in the world. (ANI)