FILE PHOTO: World No. 18 Ayush Shetty went down to World No. 4 Christo Popov in 39 minutes in the opening singles match of India’s Thomas Cup semifinal against France in Horsens, Denmark, on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

India trailed France 0-1 in the Thomas Cup 2026 semifinals in Horsens, Denmark, on Saturday after Ayush Shetty lost to Christo Popov in straight games in the first singles match.

With Lakshya Sen ruled out of the tie due to an elbow injury, World No. 18 Ayush had to play as the top-ranked Indian singles player. However, against World No. 4 Christo, the 20-year-old could not do much and conceded the match 11-21, 9-21 in 39 minutes.

The left-handed Frenchman totally dominated the match. He dictated the rallies, controlled the pace and kept the Indian guessing.

Experienced Kidambi Srikanth will have the task of levelling the tie for 2022 champion India as he faces World No. 10 Alex Lanier in the second singles match before H. S. Prannoy goes up against World No. 17 Toma Junior Popov.

Since the Popov brothers also form France’s No. 1 doubles pair and the competition rules stop players from playing back-to-back matches, it means that India’s top doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will only be in action if the tie goes all the way to a decider.

If required, in the first doubles encounter, Hariharan Amsakarunan and M. R. Arjun will take on Eloi Adam and Leo Rossi.

Defending champion China led Denmark 1-0 in the other semifinal as World No. 1 Shi Yuqi took down World No. 3 Anders Antonsen 21-16, 21-5.

More to follow...

Published on May 02, 2026