India register 2nd win, top group in Sudirman Cup Div III

Glasgow, June 13 (UNI) Indian shuttlers recorded their second win in the Sudirman Cup world mix team event with a 5-0 thrashing of New Zealand in a Division III tie here.

India, who beat Finland 4-1 in their first group rubber, were the overwhelming winners against the Kiwis at the Scotstoun International Sports Arena yesterday.

Clubbed in Group B of Division III along with Finland, New Zealand and Scotland, India now tops the group with nine wins and one loss. They will play Scotland in their last round robin group match tomorrow.

Mixed doubles pair of V Diju and Aparna Balan geve the Indians a perfect start with a 27-minute straight set victory over Daniel Shirley and Renee Flavell 21-14, 21-18.

Saina Nehwal then sent Michelle Chan packing 21-13, 21-12, in just 25 minutes to put India 2-0 before Anup Sridhar thrashed John Moody 21-7, 21-13 in 29 minutes.

In the last two games, men's and doubles pairs dropped one set each but coasted to easy victories in the end to round of the 5-0 annihilation.

Sanave Thomas and Rupesh Kumar faced the strongest challenge from their rivals and the duo had to come back from behind to prevail over Daniel Shirley and John Gordon 17-21, 21-15, 21-16 in 48 minutes.

Women's doubles pair of Aparna Balan and Saina Nehwal completed formalities by defeating Rachel Hindley and Renee Flavell 21-18, 16-21, 21-14 in 41 minutes.

Results: Division 3 Group B: India bt New Zealand 5-0: V Diju and Aparna Balan bt Daniel Shirley and Renee Flavell 21-14, 21-18; Saina Nehwal bt Michelle Chan 21-13, 21-12; Anup Sridhar bt John Moody 21-7, 21-13; Thomas Sanave and Rupesh Kumar bt Daniel Shirley and John Gordon 17-21, 21-15, 21-16; Saina Nehwal and Aparna bt Rachel Hindley and Renee Flavell 21-18, 16-21, 21-14.

UNI