Thomas Cup 2026: India loses semi-final; wins bronze – Highlights

HS Prannoy concedes the opening game

Boy, oh, boy...how has this turned around!?

HS Prannoy was in cruise control for most of the opening game. He had the lead even when the serves were exchanged back and forth.

He had a loud and imposing cheer squad behind him. But Toma Junior Popov holds his own.

Popov raises his game when it matters and snatches the first game 21-19 right under Prannoy's nose!

1 Game Point

The most thrilling match of the evening yet. Toma Junior Popov wins two points in a row and has a game point at 20-19.

Only the second time in the match that Popov has had the lead.

Massive roar from Prannoy

Popov once again lifts and Prannoy once again wins the point with a powerful cross-court smash. 

The Indian lets out a loud roar. He is pumping himself up is Prannoy. 18-17.

It is neck-and-neck. Neither player willing to give an inch as the serves keep exchanging. 17-17.

A service error from Prannoy & lead for Popov

Much like Kidambi Srikanth earlier in the day, HS Prannoy errs with the serve helping Popov level at 15-15 after he had hit wide.

Popov now has the lead for the first time in the match as Prannoy goes wide to trail 15-16!

Stunning smash from HS Prannoy

A net dribble from HS Prannoy, forcing Toma Popov to lift. The Indian back tracks, leaps and rains down a powerful smash 14-12.

A nice soft touch from Popov on the net before Prannoy hits the shuttle into the net. The world No 17 has levelled up once again 14-14.

Prannoy working his magic

Prannoy is keeping things tight at this moment. No loose shots, no early jabs in search of points. Just waiting for his moment and then grabbing it with both hands. Leads 13-11.

Kidambi Srikanth, the coach?

Lakshya Sen has made way for Kidambi Srikanth in the coaching chair now.

Having just lost his match, Kidambi is back with some advice for Prannoy in the mid-game interval.

Coach Yoo Yong-Sung looks a bit lost as the Indian veterans converse in Telugu.

Got to love this camaraderie within the Indian set up. They'll die fighting but always stand up for each other!

A slender lead for HS Prannoy

Popov isn't willing to go down without a fight. Wins two straight points to level up at 10-10, before a shot lands long from him.

HS Prannoy leads 11-10 at the mid-game interval!

A long rally and it falls in favour of HS Prannoy. He pushes Popov to all corners and the French shuttler has to put in a dive to retrieve.

Before Popov could get back to his position, Prannoy kills the point smartly with a last minute change of racquet angle.

10-8 lead for Prannoy and the cheer squad is loving this!